American tennis is back on the charge and when it comes to the men’s game, there is a sense that the United States are getting closer to having a Grand Slam champion once again.
Tommy Paul is safely through to the last eight at the Australian Open – perhaps surprisingly. He thrashed Alejandro Davidovich Fokina 6-1, 6-1, 6-1 to set up a clash with Alexander Zverev on Tuesday.
The world number 11 has reached the semi-finals in Melbourne before. However, with the likes of Taylor Fritz finishing last year with a flourish not many would have backed Paul for a good run at the maiden Grand Slam of the year.
The 27-year-old isn’t the only player who has done well at this event from the United States. Learner Tien could join Paul in the quarters tomorrow when he faces Italian Lorenzo Sonego, whilst Ben Shelton faces Gael Monfils and Alex Michelsen takes on Alex de Minaur.
What Tommy Paul thinks about Alex Michelsen and Learner Tien
It’s been an amazing tournament for the American players in the men’s draw. Tien, in particular, defied the odds to send Daniil Medvedev packing in the second round with a stunning performance.
Likewise, Michelsen thrashed Stefanos Tsitsipas on the very first day of the tournament with a performance that left the Greek performer absolutely shell-shocked.
The young guns enjoying a breakout tournament has taken some of the spotlight away from Paul and he’s had some kind words to say about Tien and Michelsen after their efforts so far.
He said in his press conference: “With Michelsen, I’ve played him a couple times. Maybe we’ve warmed up or something. I don’t know that we’ve practised too much together.
“Yeah, I mean, in the locker room with Michelsen, we talk all the time, talk football, talk basketball. Real close with his coach Robby.
“Learner, I haven’t hung out with Learner very much. We say hi, and talk in passing in the locker room. This is, like, the first time I’ve watched him play quite a bit. I remember he got a wild card in the Open a couple of years ago and played Frances.
“Other than that, he kind of dominated the futures and challengers last year.
“Obviously he’s climbed through the rankings very quickly. I mean, I think he’s someone we’re going to see a lot of on tour.”
Paul shares why he thinks Tien and Michelsen are proving successful
The former semi-finalist at this event will be hoping to emulate his Olympics doubles partner Fritz and reach a maiden Grand Slam final in Melbourne next weekend.
However, he’s been forced to field a lot of questions about his compatriots and he’s been asked why he thinks Tien and Michelsen have proved so successful at this event.
He continued: “Yeah, I mean, I think a part of that is kind of the group that they’re in. I mean, it’s similar in a way to our group, except they’re doing it a little bit younger maybe.
“I mean, they’re pushing each other. Michelsen kind of I would say broke through first in that group. I mean, he’s a crazy good competitor really. I don’t really see too many holes in his game. If anything, maybe his movement. Just in the past year, he’s improved that a ton. I know he has a personality where he’s going to keep working and keep getting better at everything. He’s going to be a force on tour, I think.
“And same with Learner. Still haven’t watched Learner play too much to explain to you how he wins matches or his game. I mean, obviously he went last year on a 25-match win streak. At any level that’s not easy to do.
“Obviously he knows a little something about winning matches.”
The last American male player to win a Grand Slam title
It’s quite remarkable when you consider how big tennis is in the United States that not since Andy Roddick in 2003 has a male player laid claim to one of the big four prizes in the sport.
On that occasion, Roddick reigned supreme at the US Open, thrashing Juan Carlos Ferrero 6-3, 7-6, 6-3 to claim his one and only Grand Slam title and ensure the home fans left Flushing Meadows satisfied that year.
With the talent currently in the game, it’s surely only a matter of time before American men are getting to the latter stages of tournaments on a regular basis and now it’ll be fascinating to see which one – if any – gets over the line and gets their hand on a major title.
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