Can Tommy Paul Conquer Hurkacz to Advance to Semis? Sinner Dominates Ruud!
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Synopsis
In a thrilling display at the Internazionali BNL d’Italia, Tommy Paul outperformed Hubert Hurkacz to secure his place in the semifinals, marking his second consecutive year in this elite stage. Meanwhile, Jannik Sinner delivered a masterclass against Casper Ruud, setting the tone for an exciting semifinal showdown.
Key Takeaways
- Tommy Paul reaches consecutive semifinals in Rome.
- He is the first American to achieve this since Pete Sampras.
- Paul defeated Hubert Hurkacz in a challenging match.
- Jannik Sinner dominated Casper Ruud in his quarter-final match.
- Paul could enter the Top 10 with a win in the semifinals.
Rome, May 15 (NationPress) Tommy Paul showcased his remarkable skills at the Internazionali BNL d’Italia on Thursday, advancing to the semifinals once again. This remarkable achievement makes him the first American player to reach consecutive semifinals in Rome since Pete Sampras did so in 1993-94.
The 27-year-old secured his spot in the last four by defeating the powerful Hubert Hurkacz with a score of 7-6(4), 6-3, at the prestigious Italian ATP Masters 1000. The match featured a rollercoaster first set with six service breaks, but Paul ultimately triumphed in just under two hours.
“Every time I come here, I feel at home,” Paul expressed, enhancing his record to 9-4 in Rome, as per the Infosys ATP Win/Loss Index. “The courts suit my game perfectly. I feel at ease here, and I’ve been playing some excellent tennis this week,” he added, as reported by the ATP Tour website.
Paul had previously defeated Hurkacz in three sets at the same stage last year, and with this latest victory, he improves his record against the Pole to 3-1 in their ATP head-to-head series.
“Both of us were returning exceptionally well, and we would have preferred to hit our targets better on serve,” Paul analyzed the first set. “We maintained pressure during our service games. I believe I regrouped effectively during the tiebreak and into the second set.”
Currently ranked No. 12 in the ATP Live Rankings, Paul could secure a spot in the Top 10 should he advance to the finals. His next opponent is World No. 1 Jannik Sinner, who dazzled his home crowd by demolishing Casper Ruud 6-0, 6-1 with a spectacular performance in the quarter-finals.
The top-seeded Italian began strongly, winning 16 of the first 18 points and maintained his dominance throughout the match, finishing it in just 64 minutes. The 23-year-old is on a quest to become only the second Italian men’s singles champion in Rome, following Adriano Panatta, who won in 1976.
Point of View
I’m thrilled to see American talent like Tommy Paul making waves in international tennis. His journey reflects not only personal growth but also the resurgence of American tennis on the global stage. With the upcoming semifinal against Jannik Sinner, we anticipate a match that could be a turning point for both players.
NationPress
21/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Tommy Paul's achievement at the Internazionali BNL d’Italia?
Tommy Paul has reached the semifinals for the second consecutive year, becoming the first American since Pete Sampras to achieve this milestone in Rome.
Who will Tommy Paul face next?
Tommy Paul will face World No. 1 Jannik Sinner in the semifinals.
How did Jannik Sinner perform against Casper Ruud?
Jannik Sinner delivered an outstanding performance, defeating Casper Ruud 6-0, 6-1 in the quarter-finals.
What historic significance does Paul's achievement hold?
Paul's achievement signifies a resurgence of American players in men's tennis, mirroring the successes of legends like Pete Sampras.
What is the ATP Live Ranking of Tommy Paul?
Tommy Paul is currently ranked No. 12 in the ATP Live Rankings.
