As the tennis world gears up for the 2025 Wimbledon Championships, set to begin on June 30, American star Tommy Paul has taken an unexpected detour from the court to embrace a new role: lawn maintenance. The world No. 8, known for his aggressive baseline game and quick thinking at the net, was recently spotted in a viral Instagram video expertly maneuvering a riding lawn mower, tackling a sprawling patch of grass with the same precision he brings to his serves. This surprising pivot, just days before the grass-court Grand Slam, has fans buzzing with amusement and curiosity, showcasing Paul’s down-to-earth charm and versatility as he prepares for one of the sport’s most prestigious tournaments. “I’m having fun on the grass,” Paul quipped, a nod to both his lawn duties and his growing comfort on Wimbledon’s hallowed courts.
Paul’s lighthearted foray into lawn care comes on the heels of a bittersweet grass-court season. After withdrawing from the HSBC Championships in London due to a minor glute strain, the 28-year-old American shifted focus to his Wimbledon campaign. His 2024 season was a career-defining one, highlighted by a title at the Queen’s Club Championships, where he defeated Lorenzo Musetti in straight sets to claim his first ATP 500 trophy and briefly become the American No. 1, surpassing Taylor Fritz. “I just came here to play tennis,” Paul said of his approach to Wimbledon, emphasizing his focus on competing regardless of the stage. His fourth-round run at Wimbledon last year and a quarterfinal clash with defending champion Carlos Alcaraz proved his grass-court prowess, a far cry from his junior days on the green Har-Tru clay of Greenville, North Carolina.
The Instagram clip, shared on Paul’s official account, captured him in high spirits, navigating the mower with a grin that reflected his love for life beyond tennis. “I have always tried to be an outside kind of guy; it helps me switch off,” he said ahead of his 2022 Wimbledon debut, a philosophy that resonates in this playful moment. Growing up, Paul’s time outdoors with his dog and family shaped his grounded persona, a trait that coach Brad Stine praises: “He’s very easy to train… and fun to be with.” This balance has been key to Paul’s rise, from a junior French Open boys’ champion in 2015 to a 2024 Olympic bronze medalist in men’s doubles alongside Fritz. His off-court adventures, from fishing in the Hamptons to attending the NFC Championship game, keep him refreshed amid the ATP Tour’s relentless grind.[](https://www.atptour.com/en/news/paul-it-all-adds-up-feature)[](https://www.essentiallysports.com/atp-tennis-news-american-hope-tommy-pauls-coach-makes-confession-hours-before-carlos-alcaraz-clash/)[](https://www.essentiallysports.com/wta-atp-tennis-news-nature-guy-gonna-figure-out-how-to-survive-tommy-paul-becomes-the-top-pick-for-fellow-americans-in-a-wild-desert-challenge/)
Paul’s lawn-mowing stint, while humorous, aligns with his meticulous preparation for Wimbledon, where he’s seeded 12th. His 2025 season has been solid, with a quarterfinal appearance at the Australian Open and a semifinal run in Adelaide, though a loss to Félix Auger-Aliassime in three sets showed areas for improvement. “You always look back at matches and think of what you could have done better,” Paul told ATPTour.com, reflecting his commitment to growth under Stine’s guidance. His grass-court game has evolved, with a 10-match win streak last year showcasing his adaptability. Facing Alexander Bublik at Wimbledon 2024, Paul adjusted to underarm serves by staying alert, a strategy he described: “I kind of started with one foot in front, just ready to go.” This attentiveness could serve him well against top seeds like Alcaraz, whom he’s challenged in past encounters, including a 2023 Canada Masters upset.
The video also sparked a wave of fan reactions on X, with some joking that Paul was “preparing Wimbledon’s courts himself.” Others saw it as a metaphor for his grass-court mastery, with one user noting, “From mowing lawns to mowing down opponents!” The lighthearted moment contrasts with the pressure of Wimbledon, where Paul aims to surpass his 2024 quarterfinal run. “You have to come in humble and be ready to compete from the jump,” he said, a mindset honed by surviving a five-set thriller against Otto Virtanen last year.
As Paul transitions from lawn mower to Centre Court, his blend of humor and hunger sets him apart. With a career-high ranking of No. 8, over $10.5 million in prize money, and a bronze medal from the 2024 Paris Olympics, he’s no longer just a rising star but a contender. “I believe I have a lot more to do,” Paul said, eyeing a top-5 ranking and more titles. Whether he’s cutting grass or slicing volleys, Paul’s unconventional journey is one to watch at Wimbledon.
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