Tommy Paul has just achieved something no American man has for eight years at the Olympic Games

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Tommy Paul broke new ground at the Olympic Games by reaching the quarter-finals.

The 26-year-old came up against home favourite Corentin Moutet to reach the last eight for the first time in his career.

He is the last remaining American in the singles draw following Taylor Fritz’s defeat to Lorenzo Musetti in straight sets.

Given his impressive form this season, Paul will certainly fancy his chances of winning one of the coveted Olympic medals.

What did Tommy Paul achieve by reaching the Olympic Games quarter-finals?

The first set proved to be crucial in Paul’s encounter against Moutet at the Paris Olympic Games.

The crowd roared on their fellow Frenchman, but Paul was able to fend off his opponent’s advances and silence the spectators to win the first set on a tiebreak.

This broke Moutet’s spirit as Paul stayed poised and went on to complete a 7-6(5), 6-3 win to reach the Olympic Games quarter-finals.

This is the first time an American man has reached the last eight in the singles event at the Olympics since Steve Johnson in 2016.

The 34-year-old’s campaign in Rio ended courtesy of Andy Murray, who claimed a 6-0, 4-6, 7-6(2) win and in the process went on to win his second successive gold medal.

How many times has Tommy Paul played at the Olympic Games?

Paul’s first appearance at the Olympics came at the delayed Tokyo Games in 2021. It was not a successful campaign for the player as he suffered defeat to Aslan Karatsev in the opening round.

Three years later, Paul, a far better and more experienced player, is one match away from competing for a medal in Paris.

When the ATP Tour website asked Paul what he was most looking forward to experiencing at the 2024 Games, he said: “I didn’t really get to experience the village last time when I played in Tokyo, so I’m excited to get the full Olympic experience and excited to win matches this time.

“Last time I lost in the first round so I want it to be a longer trip and hopefully play some of my best tennis.”