Amid the sun-drenched clay courts of Rome, where Tommy Paul has been carving out a stellar run at the 2025 Italian Open, an off-court saga involving his beloved Ford F-150 truck has captured the hearts of fans and added a comedic twist to his semifinal journey. The 27-year-old American, ranked world number 12, has been a force at Foro Italico, toppling high-caliber opponents to reach the semifinals for the second consecutive year. But it was his candid revelation about his truck being repossessed back home in Florida, paired with a viral CCTV video, that turned him into the talk of the tournament. With humor and resilience, Paul’s story is as much about grit as it is about grins.
Paul’s on-court campaign in Rome has been nothing short of remarkable. As the 11th seed, he began his run with a bye, then dispatched Roberto Bautista Agut 6-1, 6-4, outlasted Tomáš Macháč 6-3, 6-7(5), 6-4, and stunned seventh seed Alex de Minaur 7-5, 6-3. His quarterfinal triumph over Hubert Hurkacz, a 7-6(4), 6-3 masterclass, secured his place in the semifinals against world number one Jannik Sinner. “It’s been a great week on court so far. I feel like I’ve been getting a little bit better with every match,” Paul said, his confidence evident. His Rome performance, guaranteeing at least $325,000 in prize money, marks him as the first American man to reach consecutive semifinals there since Pete Sampras in 1993-94. Yet, it’s the off-court drama that has everyone buzzing.
In a post-match press conference, Paul shared a story that was equal parts shocking and sidesplitting. “Off court, a little bit of a stressful week,” he confessed with a wry smile. “I got my truck repossessed. I missed a couple payments and they took my truck from my house this week. If you know me, that’s my baby.” The tale unfolded as Paul, checking his home security camera from Rome to look for packages, watched in disbelief as a tow truck hauled away his prized Ford F-150. “I didn’t know that they just come and take your car,” he told Tennis Channel’s Prakash Amritraj, his tone a mix of amusement and exasperation. The unexpected setback, caused by a few missed payments, added a layer of stress to an already intense week.
Ever the showman, Paul didn’t stop at storytelling. He took to Instagram to share CCTV footage of the tow truck carting off his vehicle, followed by a photo of the truck safely reclaimed after he paid a $1,000 fine. “I already paid it back. A grand. I have my trainer going to pick it up today,” he assured reporters, joking that his deep Rome run was partly motivated by the need to cover the cost. “Ford took it back. I’m excited to get it back. I had to win a W couple matches so I could pay that off,” he quipped, earning laughs from the press room. The lighthearted jab from his girlfriend, Paige Lorenze, who dubbed him “Tommy Repo Paul” on social media, only amplified the story’s charm, with fans on X calling the saga “iconic” and “relatable.”
For Paul, the truck isn’t just a vehicle—it’s a symbol of his roots. Known for his love of cars, trucks, and fishing, the Boca Raton resident has always embraced life beyond the baseline. “I’ve been grinding to get my truck back,” he said, emphasizing its personal significance. The financial hiccup, surprising for a player with over $10 million in career earnings, sheds light on the pressures athletes face, even at the peak of success. Yet, Paul’s ability to laugh it off while battling for a spot in the Rome final speaks to his resilience. “Sinner is obviously the No. 1 player in the world, best player in the world,” he said of his upcoming match
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