Can Tommy Paul repeat his Queen’s Club glory? That’s the burning question on everyone’s mind in the tennis community. The American star has showcased sincere and mature gameplay at Wimbledon, hinting at his potential to go all the way. But his coach, Brad Stine, has a bizarre comparison that offers a unique perspective on Paul’s chances of lifting the Grand Slam title

The ATP star has demonstrated some sensational gameplay on grass. Lifting his first title on grass at the Queen’s Club Championship, Paul is on a 9-match winning streak as he advanced to the quarterfinals of the prestigious grass-court grand slam. However, his coach Brad Stine has shared his stance about his mentee’s probability of winning a major title like the Grand Slam. 

The American tennis coach engaged in an exclusive interview with Tennis & Beyond and deliberated on a plethora of topics. Although he seemed to praise Paul for his skills, he made a bizarre comparison when asked if his mentee could win a grand slam title. “You know my old college coach used to say, ‘If frogs had wings, they wouldn’t hit their asses when they jump.’ But if Tommy is to have a chance to win a Grand Slam, then I think he needs to continue to do what he did in Rome this year and maybe take a step further.” For the unversed, the American player’s Italian Open campaign was nothing short of spectacular. 

Tommy Paul had defeated some of the highest-ranked played in the Italian Open this season. This included the likes of Daniil Medvedev in the third round and Hubert Hurkacz in the quarterfinals. However, his hope for the finals was shattered by Nicolás Jarry in the semifinal clash. Continuing further, Stine explained the importance of beating top-seeded players in crucial encounters.

“You can’t expect to come to Wimbledon or the U.S. Open and win if you haven’t shown the capability of beating those same players on that slightly smaller stage. You’ve got to become accustomed to that environment playing those top guys.”  Stine’s remark highlights the roadblocks that Paul has faced in Grand Slam tournaments this year. 

The American’s run in Grand Slams has not been impressive enough this season. He was ousted in the third round of both, the Australian Open and the French Open and failed to achieve big in the tournaments. But interestingly, the American’s achievement against his next top-seeded opponent is quite impressive.

Tommy Paul is set to face Carlos Alcaraz in the quarterfinals on Tuesday. While Paul’s coach has expressed the importance of beating high-ranked players, Paul has done just that against Alcaraz on two occasions. Both the players have a head-to-head of 2-2 in the 4 ATP 1000 clashes that they have come across. And Paul is extremely motivated ahead of the clash against his fierce rival!

‘I’m playing pretty good…’ Tommy Paul stays motivated ahead of his match against Carlos Alcaraz

Rising superhero, Carlos Alcaraz is fresh off a Roland Garros victory and eyeing his defending title at the green courts of the All-England Club as well. But, Tommy Paul can become a significant challenge ahead of him given the confidence that he shared ahead of the clash. 

Speaking after winning the fourth round Roberto Bautista Agut, Paul expressed his excitement to win big in the tournament. When quizzed if he could continue his winning streak against Alcaraz, he said, “That would be really nice. I wouldn’t be mad about that at all.” Continuing further, he deliberated upon the challenges that lie ahead of him. 

“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.” While only time will tell the ultimate fate of the match, what remains certain is an intense showdown between the American and the Spaniard!