Home favorite Tommy Paul is looking to cause damage in the US Open. His campaign, riddled with high expectations and tough challenges, won’t be an easy one. Paul steps into the US Open after disappointing performances in the North American hard-court swing. He is slated to lock horns with Lorenzo Sonego in a blockbuster opening-round clash on Tuesday, August 27.

Tommy Paul vs Lorenzo Sonego: Preview

The No. 14 seed will enter the hardcourt Slam on the back of a disappointing first-round exit at the Cincinnati Masters. Despite showcasing resilience, Paul was unable to hold his ground against Flavio Cobolli and lost the contest to the Italian in a three-set battle, 6-2, 4-6, 7-5.

Meanwhile, Lorenzo Sonego rediscovered his best form at the Winston-Salem Open. Thrashing formidable challenges, the Italian talent booked his place in the summit clash wherein he squared off against Alex Michelsen. Maintaining his groove, Sonego made short work of his American rival, 6-0, 6-3, to lift his maiden title of the season.

Paul vs Sonego: Head-to-Head

Both the players will mark their third meeting on the ATP Tour, having previously clashed on the circuit twice. The duo last contested at the 2021 Cincinnati Masters, wherein Sonego won. As a result, their head-to-head is split equally at 1-1. It is worth noting that Paul and Sonego also dueled on the Challenger circuit back in 2015 that saw Paul emerging victorious.

• 2021 Cincinnati Masters, R32: Sonego 7-6(9), 6-2
• 2021 Rotterdam, R32: Paul 6-4, 7-6(7)

Prediction: Paul to win in four sets

Entering the US Open, Paul boasts a decent 35-14 match record and two titles for the 2024 season. After initially struggling, Paul was quick to turn his fortune. He reached back-to-back finals in Delray and Dallas Beach and stumbled out of following tournaments quickly. However, he made up for all the disheartening losses by capturing his career’s biggest title at the Queen’s Club.

The World No. 14, who is furnished with a competitive mindset, vaunts a gameplay comprising heavy and striking groundstrokes. While the American exercises a thunderous first serve, his second serve needs improvement. Notably, he cumulated 69% of wins on his first serve and registered merely 37% of wins on his second during his last encounter in Cincy.

Sonego, on the other hand, has registered an average 18-21 match record. The Italian was adamant about finding success on the Tour in the season’s first half, failing to secure two consecutive match wins until July, wherein he reached the quarterfinals at the Croatian Open. His maiden title came at the Winston-Salem Open, showcasing a turnaround that can benefit him at the hardcourt Slam.

Executing a game revolving around the combative nature of the World No. 48, Sonego isn’t afraid to get his EA7 suit dirty if there’s even the slightest possibility that he can return the ball. The Italian has a defensive game style and inculcates the same in his services. The 29-year-old’s last contest witnessed him produce 87% of wins on his first serve while registering 50% on his second.

Overall, it is safe to say that Tommy Paul will enjoy the upper hand in their New York contest. Paul’s compelling hardcourt record coupled with the support of the crowd should see him advance without facing much resistance.