Tommy Paul Confesses to Hitting ‘Rock Bottom’ When Alcoholism Put His Career in Jeopardy

American tennis player Tommy Paul‘s journey in professional tennis is nothing less than a film. This ATP Pro previously disappointed his fans as he appeared on the court drunk in 2017 during his match with Johnson against Bolelli and Fognini. It was at the US Open tournament that year. This American ATP star made the USTA angry since the tournament committee gave Tommy Paul a wildcard entry at that time. Fans were disappointed seeing Paul not able to hold his racquet properly. However, those dark days are gone in the past as the American ATP star has finally regained his senses and sincerity in his professional endeavors.

From a drunk tennis prodigy to a mature ATP pro, Tommy Paul’s journey brings a great transition for a tennis player. Not to forget, his great performance at the Indian Wells 2024. Now in Netflix’s famous Break Point, Paul delves deeper into his transformation and seriousness about the sport.

In the Netflix’s docuseries, this New Jersey-born and North Carolina-raised Florida resident delved deeper into his struggles with alcoholism and its impact on his professional tennis career. Tommy Paul said- “When I turned pro, I was more in my party phase, I had a little money and I thought, ‘Let’s have fun.’ I kind of got caught up in it.”

Paul confirmed that during 2017’s US Open incident, he realized that his addiction was taking over his personality. Paul further commented- “I had a night out drinking and the next day, I was supposed to play doubles. I was not there. I couldn’t even see. I was getting alcohol tested for six months. That’s when I thought, ‘This has got to be rock bottom.'”

Paul further spoke about regaining his consciousness as he tried to get over this addiction. Paul ended his comment by saying- “I knew I had to turn something around. That’s when I started taking everything more seriously.”

Tommy Paul’s transition from an alcoholic junkie to a mature ATP star was instigated by many responsible people in his life. His coach took great involvement in helping Paul return as a sincere tennis star.

Coach Brad Stine took heavy measures to bring discipline to his pupil Tommy Paul’s professional tennis life

Brad Stine stepped forward with the responsibility to help Tommy Paul get back to his feet for professional endeavors. For that, Stine took some drastic measures after Paul’s US Open performance in 2022. He said– “I literally slapped him in the face, and I told him, ‘Hey, I need Tommy Paul. Like, where’s Tommy Paul? The guy who’s here right now is not Tommy Paul, I needed him to relax, and I yelled that to him yesterday [Wednesday] during the match [against fellow American Ben Shelton] at one point.” 

Brad Stine helped Tommy Paul with a fruitful collaboration of four and a half years. Although Jim Courier coached him previously, Stine’s help brought Tommy Paul an unbelievable limelight in the sports fraternity.

Tommy Paul’s revelation expressed that famous tennis players are flawed just like us. However, it takes solid intention and the right guidance for players to return to their tracks and show their dedication to the sport.

Read more: Novak Djokovic’s Impact on Tommy Paul’s Indian Wells Redemption Arc Detailed by the American