Is Tommy Paul caught in two minds? With the exit of mixed doubles duo Coco Gauff and Taylor Fritz from the Paris Olympics, it’s time for Paul and Fritz to step up in the men’s doubles. They are all set to take on Great Britain’s Andy Murray and Dan Evans in the QF in just a few hours from now. A win in that match would open the doors to secure a medal for their nation! If Murray-Evans wins, then it would mean the tennis fans would get one more chance to witness the magic of this British superstar. However, if they lose, it would open the chance for Paul and Fritz to create a historic moment for their nation. So, there’s a lot at stake at the moment! On top of that, a wishful wish from Paul!

Murray and Evan are entering this contest after a narrow escape in the second round. Paul hopes if a similar situation arises this time, then would ensure they win the match points. But before any of it happens, Paul has shared his wish to see Murray copy Roger Federer after he retires. The 27-year-old American tennis star also revealed that irrespective of the result of this match, it’s going to be a “sad” moment for him on Thursday.

“Well hopefully we retire him,” said the Florida-based tennis star. However, he didn’t forget to reveal his admiration for what Murray has done over the years. He said Murray is perhaps one of the “best dudes in the locker room” and a great guy to be around. So irrespective of the outcome of this match, “Win or lose it’s going to be sad for me not seeing him on tour anymore. Hopefully the British summer we’ll see a bunch of him, hopefully, he’ll travel around like Roger. Roger is still everywhere.”

Both Paul and Murray played against each other twice in their careers so far. It seems as if their H2H is going to end on 1-1, but they have a chance to get the better of the other in doubles! Just a few weeks ago, Murray was spotted engaging with Paul in a practice match ahead of the Queen’s event. The 37-year-old emerged victorious in that practice match by 6-3. But what will happen this time around in doubles? Time will tell! However, this isn’t the first time that Paul has portrayed his admiration for the Brit.

“He is a legend” – Did you know Paul is a big fan of Murray

Although Paul considers Andy Roddick as his tennis idol, time and again he has showcased his admiration for the other Andy! In 2021, when Paul beat Murray by 6-2,3-6,6-3 in the QF of the BNP Paribas Nordic Open in Stockholm, he hailed the Brit saying, “He is a legend.” Murray has given the sport as much as he can in nearly two decades and now perhaps it’s time to give him back the respect he deserves. And Paul is exactly doing the same!

Murray has won three Grand Slam titles in his career. Apart from that, he won the Olympic gold medal in the singles event twice and one silver medal in the mixed doubles event. So, we can see only the men’s doubles event needs to be ticked! However, despite winning so many trophies and medals, the hunger for success of this ’37-year-old lad’ is still the same. He was caught jumping for joy after their stellar comeback in the previous match. He was even in tears after the match.

Reflecting on the same, Murray added, “It’s unbelievably emotional. I mean you’re obviously unbelievably happy and then for whatever reason, I don’t know why it happens, it’s like happy tears.” Will he end up with similar tears of joy after the QF match, or will Paul force him to shed tears of sorrow? Either way, let’s enjoy this moment till it lasts!