Andy Roddick has been working overtime of late in an effort to prepare for Roland Garros.
Making claims about almost every top player from the French Open men’s and women’s draw, the former world number one has been relentless in his coverage of a tournament that is just four days in so far.
So with Roddick predicting how far Novak Djokovic will go at Roland Garros unsurprisingly the notion that will draw the most intrigue, given the Serbian remains the number one player in the world despite his poor form, other claims might get lost in the sea of content.
One such example is Tommy Paul, who sneakily was handed a remarkable piece of adulation from his compatriot which could help him enjoy a deep run in the French Open.
Andy Roddick praises Tommy Paul
Speaking before this latest Grand Slam had begun, Roddick offered brief but impressive praise for the 27-year-old, who had shocked both him and the tennis world with his performances in Rome.
Reaching the semi-final, Paul showed no signs of rust despite suffering an ankle injury not too long ago, and he glided about the clay courts before an inspired Nicolas Jarry ended his run.
Now, ahead of the paramount clay-court tournament, much is expected of the world number 14.
But Roddick, referencing Carlos Alcaraz, has suggested that Paul boasts a trait that remains one of the best in the world.
He told the Served with Andy Roddick podcast: ‘I love Tommy Paul. I think his transition game is the best in the world outside of Alcaraz.’
There remains a strong USA presence at Roland Garros
Paul is one of many Americans dreaming of going all the way in Paris across these next two weeks, and who has already won his first-round match to solidify the foundations of that lofty ambition.
On the men’s side, he is joined by the likes of Taylor Fritz, Seb Korda, Frances Tiafoe, Ben Shelton and Brandon Nakashima.
Whilst not all will go deep, there is a strong core of in-form players who will all fancy their chances.
Meanwhile, whilst it will be far harder to dethrone the unstoppable Iga Świątek on the women’s side, stars like Coco Gauff, Sofia Kenin and Danielle Collins will all strive to do so.
The last American to win on clay was unsurprisingly Serena Williams, and before that Jennifer Capriati in 2001 and Andre Agassi in 1999.
Perhaps, given the openness of the men’s draw and the frightening form of some of the women, this year might be the year to make history.
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