“You have to come in humble and be ready to compete from the jump,” says Tommy Paul on Wimbledon. The 27-year-old American tennis star has now leapfrogged to the quarterfinals of Wimbledon. He will face the world number three, Carlos Alcaraz, in a highly anticipated match on Tuesday, July 9. Who will win this epic battle? Tennis experts are impressed with Paul’s performance at Wimbledon so far and have shared their insights.

Tommy Paul arrived at the SW19 as one of the dark horses after clinching the ATP 500 title at the Queen’s Club Championships. This is his first Wimbledon quarterfinal and his second in a Grand Slam tournament. Speaking about his chances against the Spaniard during a recent episode of the Tennis Channel Podcast, Jim Courier reminded fans of their previous meetings. Currently, both players are tied at 2-2 in their head-to-head record. Courier said, “These are top affairs and why is that the case because Tommy gets to the net. He uses slice, he uses his drop-shot, he brings variety to the guy who brings variety to everyone else.“

Courier believes it will be interesting to see who gets to the “changeup first” and added, “Tommy is well, truly ready to throw it out there and see what happens.” Speaking on a similar note in the same podcast, Lindsay Davenport said, “Based on Tommy’s performance not only in Queen’s but here he has also navigated the first week. He has definitely put himself in a conversation that he might well win his first major here at Wimbledon.” That’s a big statement! 

However, the 48-year-old American tennis legend also mentioned that to take out Carlos Alcaraz, Paul needs to do something very special. She advised Paul to figure out a way to frustrate the Spaniard and not allow Alcaraz to dictate the game with his power, serve, and forehand. Davenport believes that if Paul can utilize his weapons to full effect, he may well win this match too. What does Tommy Paul himself think of this blockbuster clash at Wimbledon?

Tommy Paul believes this is gonna be a real “tough match” against the defending champion

Tommy Paul is one of the few players on the ATP Tour with an even win/loss record against Carlos Alcaraz. His attentiveness to the game and increased maturity have made him a smart grass-court player. Paul recently revealed that he spoke to Carlos Alcaraz’s Round 3 opponent, Frances Tiafoe, to get some tips on outclassing the Spaniard. Although Tiafoe lost that match, he gave a tough fight against the defending champion. Paul is excited about this match and believes serves will play a major role in determining the outcome.

Speaking about his chances in this match, Paul said, “That would be really nice. I wouldn’t be mad about that at all. It’s definitely gonna be a tough match. He’s the defending champ. He plays amazing on grass. But I feel like I’m playing pretty good right now too…”

Do you think Tommy Paul has a real chance against the defending champion this time? Share your views in the comment box below.