Tommy Paul, currently ranked No. 8 in the PIF ATP Rankings, was seen taking a brief break from tennis by cutting grass on a riding lawn mower. The short video, shared on his official Instagram and later on X, showed him operating the mower amid a significant patch of grass, an unusual sight for tennis followers. This moment comes as Paul is preparing for the grass court season ahead of Wimbledon, which is set to begin soon.
The grass court segment of the tennis calendar has posed challenges for Paul this year. He withdrew from the HSBC Championships in London, an event he had won in 2024, as he focused on building his form before Wimbledon. Sebastian Korda, another notable player, also had to pull out from the tournament, underscoring the competitive and physically demanding nature of this grass season.
Recent performances and challenges on grass courts
Tommy Paul’s grass season campaign has had hurdles, highlighted by his withdrawal from one of the key Wimbledon warm-up events, the HSBC Championships. Despite his absence in London, Paul remains focused on recovering and strengthening his game for the upcoming Grand Slam. Alongside Paul, other athletes like Sebastian Korda are similarly adjusting their preparation strategies after missing important tournaments.
Wimbledon, starting on June 30, remains the primary focus for players like Paul who seek to improve their rankings and claim their first Grand Slam title on grass.
Paul’s notable run at the French Open this season
Before turning his attention to Wimbledon, Tommy Paul had a strong showing at the French Open, reaching the quarterfinal stage—his best performance at this Grand Slam to date. His journey included victories over Elmer Møller, Márton Fucsovics, Karen Khachanov, and Alexei Popyrin, showcasing resilience and skill on the clay courts.
However, Paul’s campaign ended when he faced Carlos Alcaraz, the world No. 1 and eventual French Open champion, who defeated him in three sets. This meeting pitted Paul against the top-ranked player and eventual winner, providing a tough test but valuable experience ahead of the next major tournaments.
Looking ahead to Wimbledon and future prospects
After the French Open, Paul is setting his sights on Wimbledon, where he has previously reached the quarterfinals last year. The upcoming tournament offers another chance for the American to push deeper into the competition and potentially secure a Grand Slam victory. His current ranking and experience make him one of the promising contenders on the grass courts.
Despite some obstacles this grass season, Tommy Paul’s efforts both on and off the court reflect his determination to prepare thoroughly and improve his game ahead of the third Grand Slam of the year. Tennis fans will watch closely as he transitions from the clay of Roland Garros to the iconic grass courts of Wimbledon.