Tommy Paul could return to the top ten with a strong showing at this year’s Madrid Open.
America’s Paul broke into the world’s top ten for the first time earlier this year, following his run to the quarterfinals of the Australian Open.
Paul lost to Alexander Zverev, 6-7, 6-7, 6-2, 1-6, as he failed in his bid to reach a second-career Major semi-final.
His ATP Tour form then dipped, with the 27-year-old now ranked 12th in the world, following two disappointing tournaments at Indian Wells and Miami.
Ahead of his return to action at the Madrid Open, Paul has shared his thoughts on an American tennis legend.
Tommy Paul says Jim Courier was an ‘unbelievable player’ after watching his matches recently
In an interview for the Madrid Open’s YouTube channel, Paul gave his verdict on a former world number one.
“My coach worked with Jim Courier, so I like going back and watching some matches of his and maybe talking a little s— to my coach about it,” he said.
“Like how did you let him do this?
“Then also at the same time, I mean, he was an unbelievable player.
“Some of the things he was able to do was crazy impressive.”
Courier won four Grand Slam titles during his time as a professional and held the number one ranking for 58 weeks.
- 1993 Australian Open F – Jim Courier beat Stefan Edberg, 6-2, 6-1, 2-6, 7-5
- 1992 French Open F – Jim Courier beat Petr Korda, 7-5, 6-2, 6-1
- 1992 Australian Open F – Jim Courier beat Stefan Edberg, 6-3, 3-6, 6-4, 6-2
- 1991 French Open F – Jim Courier beat Andre Agassi, 3-6, 6-4, 2-6, 6-1, 6-4
Paul went on to reveal just how much tennis he watches while playing on the ATP Tour.
“Growing up, I did not watch any tennis at all, and I would say probably when I was 22, I started watching all the tour matches, because I am really playing these guys and it’s a good opportunity to learn people’s games,” he said.
“I remember I got injured one time and was missing Indian Wells and Miami, and I really tuned in and watched every single match.
“Now I only watch matches when I am at the tournament. Once I lose at the tournament, no more tennis.”
The American explained how tennis has changed over the years, something he has noticed having watched matches from previous eras.
“I think the game has changed a ton, but the way that they approached it is so similar to now.
“Maybe they had more holes in their game, I think now there are not too many guys with any holes.
“Everyone plays very consistent on both sides, forehand and backhand, everyone has a good serve or a great serve now.
“Back in the day, I feel like there were guys with not very good serves, who had terrible backhands, but they were so good at hiding it, so they made up for it with forehands and movement.
“Obviously, the ball is moving a little bit slower back then, but they still found a way, and they were incredible players and real pioneers in our sport.”
Tommy Paul needs a strong Madrid Open performance to boost his chances of qualifying for the ATP Finals
Paul has achieved a lot during his tennis career, but has yet to qualify for the ATP Finals.
The eight players who accumulate the most points in a calendar year qualify for the year-end championships.
Currently sitting in 14th in the ‘Race to Turin’, Paul could do with a strong showing in the Spanish capital to boost his chances of qualifying.
| Rank | Name | Points | Points gap to qualification (8th) |
| 8 | Ben Shelton | 1,460 | – |
| 9 | Jakub Mensik | 1,340 | 120 |
| 10 | Alejandro Davidovich Fokina | 1,320 | 140 |
| 11 | Felix Auger-Aliassime | 1,215 | 245 |
| 12 | Francisco Cerundolo | 1,125 | 335 |
| 13 | Stefanos Tsitsipas | 1,115 | 345 |
| 14 | Tommy Paul | 1,010 | 450 |
| 15 | Arthur Fils | 1,010 | 450 |
| 16 | Lorenzo Musetti | 1,010 | 450 |
| 17 | Taylor Fritz | 1,005 | 455 |
Paul would need to reach the final in Madrid to have a chance of jumping his countryman Ben Shelton for the number eight spot.
Masters 1000 tournament points distribution
- Winner – 1000 points
- Finalist – 650 points
- Semi-finalist – 400 points
- Quarterfinalist – 200 points
- Fourth round – 100 points
- Third round – 50 points
- Second round – 30 points
- First round – 10 points
In 2024, Paul lost in the third round of the Madrid Open to Argentinian clay-court specialist, Francisco Cerundolo, 7-6, 4-6, 2-6.
It remains to be seen if he can enjoy a better showing in 2025, as he looks to make a swift return to the top ten.
Paul will begin his 2025 Madrid Open campaign with a second-round clash against either Joao Fonseca or a qualifier on Saturday, April 26.
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