
via Imago
Image Credits – Imago

via Imago
Image Credits – Imago
Tommy Paul is making waves and showcasing his talent with a thrilling season. He’s on fire after winning his second ATP title at the Dallas Open. Following it up with a third title in Stockholm without dropping a set. His impressive run includes reaching the semifinals at the BNP Paribas Open and the fourth round of the US Open. Currently ranked 10th in the Race to Turin, Paul is proving he’s not just a flash in the pan but a serious contender on the ATP Tour. And while he is an alternate player in the rankings, Andy Roddick has a theory about his situation.

via Reuters
Tennis – Wimbledon – All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, London, Britain – July 9, 2024 Tommy Paul of the U.S. reacts during his quarter final match against Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz REUTERS/Hannah Mckay
On October 22nd, Andy Roddick took to his podcast to rave about Tommy Paul’s remarkable growth this season. Paul has been a consistent force on the court, frequently making it to the semifinals or finals of various events. Currently ranked 12th in the ATP standings, he’s made a significant leap from previous years. But the real excitement lies in his 10th position in the Race to Turin, putting him in prime position to compete at the ATP Finals.
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Meanwhile, Novak Djokovic, a regular contender, has announced his withdrawal from the Paris Masters—his first absence since 2020. This unexpected move could shake things up for Djokovic’s chances at the ATP Finals. Roddick noted, “I’m not great at math but, if someone ahead of you is not playing, then that means you’re in ninth. That means he’s in one spot.”
While Novak Djokovic could still jump into the mix for Turin, Andy Roddick believes there’s more to the story. “He doesn’t care about rankings anymore. You can’t take away the No. 1 ranking forever; he’s held it for a record 420 weeks,” Roddick said. With so much success behind him, Djokovic is taking a strategic approach to his career, aiming for his 100th title while opting out of events like Paris and Turin. “He picks and chooses his spots. He isn’t worried about Paris or Turin,” Roddick added.
This opens the door for others, like Tommy Paul, who recently celebrated a great win in Stockholm. He defeated the No. 9 ranked player, Grigor Dimitrov. Winning 6-4, 6-3 in just 85 minutes clinching his second title this season. Additionally, boosting his Turin ranking, “Great win for Tommy, but that 10th spot might be deceiving—it’s really ninth if we take Novak at his word,” Roddick concluded.
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But what does Djokovic’s withdrawal from the Paris Masters mean for him? While he recently triumphed over his rival Rafael Nadal at the Six Kings Slams in Riyadh, the season is winding down. Djokovic, a record seven-time champion in Paris, has opted to sit this one out. Raising eyebrows and questions about his future plans.
Nole opens up about what he intends to do going ahead
Novak Djokovic is a name synonymous with success in the world of tennis. Boasting an impressive collection of 24 Grand Slam titles and now an Olympic Gold Medal. With such a stellar career, many fans wondered if retirement on the horizon for the 37-year-old Serbian. In a recent interview with La Nacion, Djokovic addressed these speculations head-on, revealing that he feels motivated to keep competing. “Deep down, I still feel that I have more Grand Slams to win,” he shared, emphasizing his desire to continue representing Serbia in the Davis Cup.
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What’s your perspective on:
Is Tommy Paul the next big American tennis star, or is Djokovic still the man to beat?
Have an interesting take?
Djokovic’s passion for the sport remains strong, and he sees tennis as more than just a game. “Tennis is my biggest platform to share messages that matter to me,” he explained. While some believe he should retire after achieving so much, Djokovic leans towards continuing his journey as long as he feels capable of competing for major titles. He acknowledged the mixed opinions surrounding his potential retirement but affirmed, “I feel sorry for those who want me to retire, but I still have some time left.”
Despite undergoing knee surgery earlier in the year and facing challenges on the court, Djokovic’s resilience shines through. After winning gold at the Paris Olympics and bouncing back from a tough US Open exit, he remains focused on his goals. With family life becoming increasingly important to him, Djokovic is balancing his career aspirations with personal commitments. As he puts it, “I want to be part of my wife and children’s daily lives.” For now, the tennis legend is living in the moment and ready to see where his journey takes him next! What’s your take on this situation? Let us know below in the comments!
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Is Tommy Paul the next big American tennis star, or is Djokovic still the man to beat?