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Key Points

Tommy Paul dominated Hubert Hurkacz to reach the Italian Open semifinals, matching a feat last achieved by Pete Sampras. The American star expressed how comfortable he feels playing on Rome's clay courts. With this win, Paul inches closer to breaking into the ATP top 10 rankings. He now awaits a semifinal showdown against either Jannik Sinner or Casper Ruud.

Key Points: Tommy Paul Reaches Italian Open Semis Matches Sampras Feat

  • Paul beats Hurkacz in straight sets to reach semis
  • First American since Sampras in 1994 with consecutive Rome semis
  • Could break into ATP top 10 with finals appearance
  • Awaits Sinner or Ruud in semifinal clash
2 min read

Italian Open: Tommy Paul makes it to semifinals, becomes first since Sampras to achieve unique feat

American Tommy Paul storms into Italian Open semifinals, becoming first since Pete Sampras to achieve back-to-back semis at Rome Masters.

"Every time I come here, I feel at home. The courts match up with my game really well. – Tommy Paul via ATP"

Rome, May 15

American tennis star Tommy Paul made it to the semifinal of the Italian Open on Thursday, with a thumping win over Hubert Hurkacz in the quarterfinal.

As per ATP.com, Paul made it to the final four by beating Hurkacz by 7-6(4), 6-3.

This marked his successive semifinal appearance at the ATP Masters 1000 event, making him the first American since Pete Sampras in 1993-94 to make it to two successive semifinals of the Italian Open.

The match lasted one hour and 58 minutes and was an up-and-down affair that featured six breaks.

Following the game, the 27-year-old said, as quoted by ATP's official website, "Every time I come here, I feel at home. The courts match up with my game really well. I feel comfortable out here, and I have been playing some good tennis this week."

With this win, he has improved his record in Rome to nine wins and four losses.

Paul had to defeat Hurkacz in three sets at Rome last year at the same stage. Now his record against him stands at three wins and a loss.

"Both of us were returning so well, obviously we would have liked to be hitting our spots better on serve," Paul said of the first set. "We were keeping the pressure in our service games. I thought I regrouped pretty well in the breaker, and then into the second set," he added.

The number 12 in the ATP Rankings will reach the top 10 if he makes it to the title clash. He awaits his semifinal opponent, who could be anyone out of World No. 1 Jannik Sinner and Madrid champion Casper Ruud.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
Great achievement by Tommy Paul! Always nice to see new faces breaking records in tennis. Though I wish we had more Indian players making waves at this level. Our boys need to step up their game! 🇮🇳🎾
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Priya M.
Wow, first American since Sampras! That's some elite company. His clay court game has improved so much. Wonder if he can go all the way? The semis will be tough though with Sinner or Ruud waiting.
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Arjun S.
As a tennis fan, I'm happy for Paul but honestly the match was a bit boring to watch. Too many service breaks make for poor quality tennis. Hope the semis have better rallies and shot-making!
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Sneha R.
Tommy Paul's rise has been impressive! From being known just as a doubles player to now making Masters semis. Shows what hard work can do. Also love how he said he feels at home in Rome - that's the spirit! 😊
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Vikram D.
Interesting stat about being first since Sampras. But let's be honest - American men's tennis is still weak compared to 90s/2000s. One semifinalist doesn't change that. Where are their next Agassis or Roddicks?
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Neha P.
The Italian Open always has such beautiful backdrops! Makes me want to visit Rome someday. Good luck to Tommy in the semis - though my heart says Sinner might be too strong if he gets through.

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