Wimbledon 2024 Draw: Tommy Paul In for a Smooth Ride but Carlos Alcaraz Turns Huge Roadblock for American Glory

The World No.12, Tommy Paul may be the dark horse of the Wimbledon 2024. The American won the Queen’s Club tournament on the grass, surprising tennis fans, as the championship had Carlos Alcaraz, Jack Draper, and Taylor Frtiz, among other big names. But Paul came out on the top in this celebrated lineup, giving himself hope of making it big at the grass courts of Wimbledon.

However, the beginning of his journey might be rewarding, as he would be playing the Spaniard, Pedro Martinez, in the first round. In their 3 encounters, Paul claimed the win in all, leaving Martinez with a bagel. And as the American is in his peak form, he would love to extend this streak to four and move forward to the next round.

The 2nd round could also be a cakewalk as Tommy Paul faces the World No. 94 Max Purcell. Though the two players have never faced each other in tournaments before, the World No.12 would certainly have an upper hand given his form and experience. However, the next round could be easy or somewhat challenging for the American depending on who his opponent is.

In R3 he could face the World No.79, Zizou Bergs, the two have never faced each other before, but the odds are in the seasoned Paul’s favor, against Bergs. Though this would be a similar scenario with Alexander Bublik, as he brushed aside the threat posed by the Kazakh in their only encounter back in 2021. But Bublik has immense experience and would be looking forward to turning the tide in his favor. However, in the end, Paul might sail through his waves, with some effort, riding high on his recent form on the grass.

But as the championship proceeds to R4, things are bound to be on fire. As players would have been filtered, only the strong would remain to challenge each other for the title. And in this heat, Paul could face the fiery Casper Ruud, who has a lop-sided H2H record in his favor against the American with 2-4. However, there is a silver lining to the record. Paul won their last encounter in 2024. However, other than Ruud, his opponent could also feature in Lorenzo Sonego and Roberto Bautista Agut. In both these cases, Paul is anticipated to dominate, as he has brushed Agut aside in their last clash, while Sonego is yet to challenge him after 2021.

And if Paul pushes himself through into the quarterfinals of the Grass Slam, the beast of the tournament, the defending champion would await him. He would face Carlos Alcaraz as his opponent. Not an easy one, despite his H2H record of 2-2 against the World No.2  providing some solace. The French Open champion is the favorite to defend and win another Grass Slam crown. Hence, he would be competing with Alcaraz as well as the crowd in the stands, favoring his win. But the American would want to recollect his nerves with his latest win, where Alcaraz was in the draw, but was defeated in the early rounds.

Would Tommy Paul’s title win at the Queen’s Club aid him during his potential clash with Alcaraz?

Maybe/ maybe not! Paul certainly displayed his superior skills to claim the title of the Grass Court of Queen’s Club. Whereas Alcaraz faltered in the early sets, unable to showcase his prowess. However, the two never met at the tournament this time, and with Alcaraz making history by winning Majors, the American is anticipated to be nervous, as the giant slayer takes the court against him.

But Serena Williams’ ex-coach has faith in him. Rick Macci shared his observations on his grass feat. He said, “Tommy Paul moves so liquid smooth on grass like a John Deer turbo cutting machine and then mows blows and goes. @TommyPaul1.”

Paul would certainly need the same form to cut short Alcaraz’s dream run, and aid him towards the semifinals!