Tommy Paul has been making waves at the 2024 US Open, and after securing his spot in the fourth round, he didn’t hold back in sharing his thoughts on the tournament’s biggest surprises so far—the early exits of title contenders Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic.
While many in the tennis world were shocked by these developments, Paul offered a different perspective, stating that he doesn’t “feel too bad” for the two champions, who have already enjoyed substantial success in their careers.
Paul advanced to the fourth round of the New York Major after a hard-fought 6-7(5), 6-3, 6-1, 7-6(3) victory over Canada’s rising star Gabriel Diallo. The American’s journey through the tournament has been impressive, and his confidence was evident in his post-match press conference. When asked about the potential opportunities at the US Open following the unexpected early departures of former champions Alcaraz and Djokovic, Paul provided a candid response.
He acknowledged that the Olympic Games’ fatigue might have played a role in their exits, especially considering the rapid transition between different playing surfaces. “I think the guys who played Alcaraz and Novak stepped up and played great,” Paul remarked. “But yeah, I feel like I went through Olympic fatigue, I guess at the right time, in Canada and Cincy, but I feel pretty good now. I’ve recovered a bit. Yeah, it’s a tough change. We’ve never gone from grass to clay so quickly.”
The 2024 season has been grueling for top players like Alcaraz and Djokovic. Alcaraz, fresh off winning the French Open and Wimbledon titles, also secured a silver medal at the Paris Olympics. This string of successes was followed by a surprising second-round defeat at the US Open, where he lost to Botic van de Zandschulp. The tight tennis schedule seemed to have taken a toll on the young Spaniard, who commented on how challenging it has been to keep up with the intense demands of professional tennis.
Djokovic, on the other hand, has been dealing with a knee injury throughout the season but still managed to reach the Wimbledon final and capture the Olympic gold medal. His journey at the US Open seemed promising after a first-round victory against Radu Albot and a walkover in the second round against Laslo Djere. However, his campaign was abruptly ended by Alexei Popyrin in the third round. Despite his injuries, Djokovic’s performance in 2024 has been remarkable, proving once again why he is considered one of the greatest players in tennis history.
Reflecting on their exits, Paul added, “I don’t want to take anything away from those guys; they earned those wins and played some amazing tennis. I’m happy for them. Carlos and Novak have won quite a few tournaments, so I don’t feel too bad.” His remarks highlight a realistic understanding of the highs and lows of professional tennis. Alcaraz and Djokovic have indeed had stellar careers, and while their early exits from the US Open were disappointing, their legacies are already well-established.
As Paul gears up for his next challenge at the US Open, his attention is now focused on Jannik Sinner, the World No. 1 and the last remaining top-three seed in the tournament. Sinner, who has been in excellent form, defeated Mackenzie McDonald, Alex Michelsen, and Christopher O’Connell to reach the fourth round. The Italian is considered one of the favorites to win the tournament, especially after the departures of Alcaraz and Djokovic.
The upcoming match between Sinner and Paul promises to be an exciting encounter. This will be the fourth time the two players have faced each other, with Sinner currently leading their head-to-head 2-1. Paul, however, is not one to be underestimated. His journey through the tournament has been impressive, and he will be eager to upset the odds against Sinner.
The winner of this match will advance to the quarterfinals, where they will face either Nuno Borges or Daniil Medvedev. For Paul, this represents a significant opportunity to make a deep run in one of the biggest tournaments of the year. While Sinner will be a formidable opponent, Paul’s confidence and recent form suggest that he is more than capable of pulling off an upset.
In the broader context of the US Open, the early exits of Alcaraz and Djokovic have certainly opened up the draw, creating opportunities for players like Paul and Sinner to make their mark. While the loss of two of the sport’s biggest stars is a blow for fans, it also adds an element of unpredictability and excitement to the tournament.
As Paul prepares for his clash with Sinner, he remains focused on the task at hand. His comments about Alcaraz and Djokovic reflect a mature and level-headed approach to the sport, one that acknowledges the challenges faced by top players while also recognizing the opportunities that arise from their absence. For Paul, the 2024 US Open represents a chance to achieve something special, and his journey so far suggests that he is ready to seize that opportunity.
So, Tommy Paul’s reaction to the early exits of Alcaraz and Djokovic at the US Open underscores his understanding of the highs and lows of professional tennis. While he doesn’t “feel too bad” for the two champions, he also recognizes the hard work and dedication required to achieve success at the highest level. As Paul continues his journey at the US Open, fans will be eager to see how far he can go and whether he can capitalize on the opportunities presented by the tournament’s unpredictable twists and turns.
