Tommy Paul has enjoyed a strong start to his 2025 season and looks to have found another level on the clay.
The American star began his year in fine form when Paul reached the quarterfinals of the Australian Open, where he came up short against Alexander Zverev.
Paul broke into the ATP top ten as a result of his run in Melbourne, peaking at a career high of ninth.
On clay, he has made a solid start, reaching the semi-finals in Houston, before Paul lost to Jack Draper in the fourth round of the Madrid Open.
Having reached the fourth round again, this time at the Italian Open, Paul highlighted the two areas of his game that have improved the most on the surface in 2025.
Tommy Paul says his movement and power have improved on clay in 2025
Appearing on the Tennis Channel following his third-round win over Tomas Machac, Paul reflected on his clay-court improvements.
“I feel like I am moving well. I feel like I moved well last year, but I am moving forward and back a lot better,” said Paul.
“I am stepping back and lifting forehands a lot better, I think this year.
“Maybe I am hitting a little heavier. For me, I think the serve is so important. I have to serve well if I want to do well on any surface, and that’s definitely the goal this week.”
Paul beat Roberto Bautista Agut in his opener before taking down Czech star Machac in a thrilling third-round clash.
- 2025 Italian Open 3R – Tommy Paul beat Tomas Machac, 6-3, 6-7, 6-4
- 2025 Italian Open 2R – Tommy Paul beat Roberto Bautista Agut, 6-1, 6-4
The 27-year-old has produced two impressive serving performances in his opening two matches, winning over 75% of points behind his first serve on both occasions.
| Match | Aces | Double faults | 1st Serve % | Win % on first serve | Win % on second serve |
| 3R v Tomas Machac | 7 | 0 | 58% | 77% | 52% |
| 2R v Roberto Bautista Agut | 2 | 0 | 49% | 86% | 61% |
Paul will no doubt hope to produce another stellar serving display when he takes on Alex de Minaur in the fourth round.
Tommy Paul prepares for ‘revenge match’ against Alex de Minaur in Rome
The American star went on to explain why he’ll need to be serving at his best during his Italian Open last-16 match.
“I have a tough one in the next match, I know if I am not serving well, I am going to get broken, for sure,” said Paul.
“[Alex] De Minaur is a great player. We have had some wars also, and I have not gotten him so a little revenge match again.”
Paul is yet to beat De Minaur in five attempts, a record he is more than aware of ahead of their sixth career meeting.
| Match | Winner | Loser | Score |
| 2023 Los Cabos – QF | Alex de Minaur | Tommy Paul | 6-4, 3-6, 6-3 |
| 2023 Acapulco – F | Alex de Minaur | Tommy Paul | 3-6, 6-4, 6-1 |
| 2022 Eastbourne – QF | Alex de Minaur | Tommy Paul | 6-2, 4-6, 6-4 |
| 2022 Italian Open – 2R | Alex de Minaur | Tommy Paul | 7-5, 6-4 |
| 2022 Indian Wells – 3R | Alex de Minaur | Tommy Paul | 7-6, 6-4 |
“We talk about it! I am like dude, you are really making me feel bad about it because he has been owning me on the pro tour,” he said.
“This is a match I am super motivated for. I want to get my first win against him.
“We have had amazing matches. I have had so many opportunities against him, and hopefully this is the one.”
Their previous three encounters went to a deciding set, as De Minaur edged past Paul in Eastbourne, Acapulco, and Los Cabos.
Paul’s defeat to De Minaur in the final of the 2023 Mexican Open could well be his most devastating of the lot, as he missed out on a chance to win the biggest title of his career, having led by a set to love.
De Minaur and Paul will be more than aware of what’s at stake this time around, as both players would likely be considered favorites should they advance to the quarterfinals.
The winner of their fourth round match will take on either Jakub Mensik [20] or Hubert Hurkacz [30] in the last eight.
Hurkacz and Mensik will face off for a place in the quarterfinals on Tuesday, May 13, before Paul takes on De Minaur.
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