In the electric atmosphere of Rome’s Foro Italico, Tommy Paul has emerged as a standout at the 2025 Italian Open, powering his way to the semifinals with a string of impressive victories. The 27-year-old American, ranked world No. 9, has not only showcased his own clay-court prowess but also sparked conversation with high praise for a potential opponent, Jannik Sinner, whom he crowned the “cleanest ball-striker” on the ATP Tour. As Paul prepares to face either Sinner or Casper Ruud on May 16, his admiration for the Italian star underscores the anticipation for a blockbuster clash, while his own journey in Rome highlights a career-defining moment.
Paul’s path to the semifinals has been a testament to his grit and growing confidence on clay, a surface where he won the 2015 French Open boys’ title. After a comfortable opening win over Roberto Bautista Agut (6-3, 6-4), he battled past Tomas Machac in a thrilling three-setter (4-6, 6-3, 7-5) to reach the round of 16. There, he achieved a career milestone by defeating Australia’s Alex de Minaur (6-4, 7-6(5)), his first victory in six encounters against the world No. 10. In the quarterfinals, Paul dispatched seventh seed Hubert Hurkacz in straight sets (7-6(2), 6-3), marking his second consecutive top-10 win and securing his 150th career victory. This run mirrors his 2024 Rome semifinal appearance, but Paul’s 2025 campaign feels different—more assured, buoyed by a season that saw him crack the ATP top 10 and claim titles in Dallas, Queen’s Club, and Stockholm.
Reflecting on his potential semifinal opponents during a post-match press conference, Paul didn’t hesitate to single out Sinner, the world No. 1, for his exceptional skill. “Probably the cleanest ball-striker on tour,” Paul said, his tone laced with respect. “Obviously, a great competitor with that. Yeah, I mean, he’s number one in the world for a reason, you know?” His comments, made before Sinner’s quarterfinal against Ruud, highlight the Italian’s reputation for precision and power, qualities that have defined his 2025 season. Sinner, returning from a three-month suspension, has been flawless in Rome, dropping no sets in victories over Mariano Navone (6-3, 6-4), Jesper De Jong (6-4, 6-2), and Francisco Cerundolo (7-6(3), 6-3). Paul, asked if Sinner’s game has sharpened match by match, noted, “I’m not sure. I think even in the first match he seemed pretty good,” a nod to Sinner’s seamless return to elite form.
Paul’s praise for Sinner comes with context. The two have met once before, in 2024 at the US Open, where Sinner prevailed in a hard-fought four-setter. Sinner’s ability to strike the ball with unmatched clarity—his forehand and backhand both averaging over 80 mph in Rome—poses a daunting challenge, especially on clay, where Paul has yet to beat him or Ruud, who defeated him at the 2020 French Open. Ruud, fresh off a Barcelona title, also earned Paul’s respect. “Yeah, I mean, obviously Casper is coming off the biggest title of his career,” Paul said, acknowledging the Norwegian’s clay-court pedigree. Yet, it’s Sinner’s ball-striking that Paul highlighted, a skill that has fueled the Italian’s rise to No. 1 and made him a favorite to claim his first Rome title.
For Paul, this semifinal represents a chance to reach his first Masters 1000 final, a goal he’s chased since his 2023 Mexican Open final run. His 2025 season, with 45 wins and a bronze medal in men’s doubles at the Paris Olympics alongside Taylor Fritz, reflects a player hitting his prime. Coached by Brad Stine, Paul has embraced a disciplined approach, crediting his team for keeping him “healthy” and structured. “There’s a lot more structure in my life,” he said after his Australian Open quarterfinal run, a mindset that’s carried him to Rome’s final four. His clay-court affinity, unusual for an American, stems from his junior days in North Carolina, where he honed his movement and forehand, now his most reliable weapon.
As Rome buzzes with anticipation, Paul’s journey intersects with Sinner’s homecoming, setting the stage for a potential classic. Whether facing Sinner’s laser-like precision or Ruud’s relentless topspin, Paul’s all-court game—marked by adaptability and court coverage—makes him a dangerous underdog. His ability to “soak up pace and transition from defense to offense,” as noted on tennis forums, could test Sinner’s rhythm. With the French Open just days away, this semifinal is more than a stepping stone—it’s a chance for Paul to announce himself as a Grand Slam contender and for Sinner to solidify his clay-court dominance.
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