There is much anticipation over native success at this year’s US Open after a stellar 12 months which has seen a resurgence in American tennis.
Frances Tiafoe’s awe-inspiring run to the Cincinnati final has propelled him back inside the top 20 of the ATP rankings, alongside four of his compatriots.
One of these men is Tommy Paul, who has experienced a notable rise this year after winning the Queen’s title and backing it up with an imposing run to the Wimbledon quarter-finals just two weeks later.
His hard court record has also been impressive, including a run to the semi-finals at Indian Wells, and this puts him in good contention to go deep at the US Open.
What did Victoria Azarenka say about Tommy Paul?
Three-time finalist Victoria Azarenka is the latest star to comment on the American’s chances at Flushing Meadows this year.
Despite naming three favorites for the men’s US Open title, Azarenka made a ‘bold prediction’ about Paul’s projected success.
“[Carlos] Alcaraz right now is the strongest for me,” Azarenka told Tennis Channel. “He’s for sure the favorite.
“Hopefully [Jannik] Sinner stays healthy. I would say it’s between three guys, with Novak [Djokovic], and I’m going to make one bold prediction: Tommy Paul.”
- READ MORE: The full US Open draw
Can Paul go deep at the US Open?
While Azarenka claims to have made a ‘bold prediction’, is it really that outlandish?
Paul rose to a career-high of number 12 at the back end of last season and has maintained on the brink of the top 10 ever since.
This came after an inspired run to the semi-finals of the Canadian Open which included a statement win over Carlos Alcaraz, the then world number one.
But, despite not progressing further than the fourth round of his home slam last year Paul is a better equipped threat in 2024.
The American faces Lorenzo Sonego in his opener and will fancy his chances of reaching the fourth round once again where he is projected to face world number one Jannik Sinner.
Despite holding a 1-2 record against the Italian, Paul will aim to draw on the US faithful in what would be an eagerly-anticipated clash.
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