Tommy Paul has been flawless thus far in the Australian Open, but now arguably faces the ultimate task.
He has to somehow find a way to stop Carlos Alcaraz, who is on the warpath in search of his coveted career Grand Slam.
The Spaniard has been similarly impressive throughout the opening week of action in Melbourne, having not yet dropped a set. That being said, there has been the occasional chink in the armour that should give Tommy Paul cause for optimism.
Speaking ahead of their clash, the American has actually revealed his game plan for the match, stating how he plans to beat the world number one.
Tommy Paul reveals his Carlos Alcaraz game plan
Asked to preview his upcoming encounter with Alcaraz in his recent press conference, having just beaten his fellow Spaniard Alejandro Davidovich Fokina, Paul admitted: “ I mean, it’s always an interesting matchup. Always a great challenge playing Carlos. He can really do anything on the court. Lightning fast. I mean, he’s like the standard that everyone’s trying to catch up to right now.”
However, he remains optimistic, adding: “But you got to go into that with excitement, be ready to face that, be ready to bring your best level, believe in yourself.
Who has been the best player at the Australian Open so far?
“That’s something that I bring to the table every time I play Carlos. I believe I can win every time I go out there. Without that, you’re going out there with no purpose.
“So I’m more excited than anything about the matchup. Like I said, I’ve been playing great tennis so far this tournament. Hopefully we can keep going and get even better.”
Then asked what his mindset will be heading into the match, Paul continued: “I think for the most part we set a game plan that’s felt like the right game plan against him. It’s about executing against Carlos. You can’t really make too many mistakes.
“For me, I mean, the game plan, it’s really all about executing, honestly. I got to serve well. I got to get to the net. I got to attack. I got to try and play on my terms as much as possible.”
Similarly, Alcaraz says he knows what he needs to do to beat Paul, thus creating an intriguing dynamic.
Tommy Paul’s road to the Australian Open fourth round
It has been a relatively seamless route to the fourth round for the 28-year-old, who is also yet to drop a set.
He kickstarted his Australian Open campaign against compatriot Aleksandar Kovacevic, but faced little trouble as he strolled past him, 6-4, 6-3, 6-3.
Next up came the Argentine Thiago Agustín Tirante, but again, he was no match for Paul.
Davidovich Fokina promised a sterner test, but fitness concerns plagued him throughout. After losing the first two sets, both to a 6-1 scoreline, he called time on the match.
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Paul will therefore go into his clash with Alcaraz completely refreshed, having played just eight sets of tennis and seldom being troubled.
Alcaraz beat Paul in their most recent match at the French Open, in a supremely dominant performance from the man who would go on to lift that title.
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