By Scoop Malinowski
Tommy Paul beat Lorenzo Musetti 61 76 to win the biggest title of his career at Queens Club. The 27 year old American’s first grass title is his third overall and it will ascend his ranking to no. 12 in the world next week, surpassing Taylor Fritz as the highest ranked American player.
With his reliable two hander, high speed movement and ferocious forehand, Paul was able to overcome a mini break deficit in the second set tiebreaker to defeat Musetti’s artistic style featuring an elegant one handed backhand.
The final showdown kind of resembled a Djokovic vs Federer stylisitic clash with Paul’s precision and consistency being the difference – Paul only made six unforced errors in the match and lost just one set all week.
“Hearing about the names [of previous winners] in the locker room, it is unbelievable. It was my goal to put my name next to them,” said Paul, who has won 27 matches this year. “Thank you to my whole team.”
Paul is the first American to win the ATP 500 Queens Club title since Sam Querrey in 2010 (defeated Mardy Fish).
Considering that multiple Queens Club champions have won Wimbledon titles – Lleyton Hewitt, Boris Becker, Pete Sampras, Michael Stich, Andy Murray, Rafael Nadal, Carlos Alcaraz, John McEnroe, Jimmy Connors to name a few – Paul will have to be considered as one of the favorites now to win the next Grand Slam, “The Championships” which will commence in eight days at the All England Lawn And Tennis Club.
ATP · Lorenzo Musetti · New Balance · Queens Club · Tommy Paul · Wimbledon
Cory · June 24, 2024 at 7:55 am
I love Paul’s game but sometimes he looks lost at sea out there… like a mental fog. His stuff is top 5/10 otherwise. He definitely should be one of the favorites. Any update on Novak’s status? Looks like he traveled to England to otherwise prepare.
Scoop Malinowski · June 24, 2024 at 8:02 am
Cory, what do you mean “lost at sea”? The word on Paul is, and I saw Ruud say this, is Paul has trouble staying focused for the whole match. But it looks like that problem has been solved, he was focused all last week and also the time he made SF of Aus Open. Let’s see how he handles being a favorite at Wimbledon, I like his chances. Djokovic is on path to play, he’s in London and doing all the right things on and off court. Looking very good.
Cory · June 25, 2024 at 10:09 am
Right on, Scoop… seems like Ruud nailed it. Paul seems to lose conviction at times. I would not call him a choker, as the “lost at sea” moments happen for random segments and are not necessarily at the end of matches. He looks unmotivated for short stretches (which is usually paired with losing points, yes) like he forgot to bring the passion and purpose with him momentarily. He’s a top 5 player stuff-wise, and i agree maybe he could be a reasonable play to win Wimby, of course he will have to have the conviction of a lion to get past Sinner / Joker / Alcaraz.
Scoop Malinowski · June 25, 2024 at 11:10 am
Cory, Paul has it all to win a major. I think he needs some kind of media insult to give him that extra edge and motivation and purpose, to prove a point. You know, like Sampras winning that last US Open after the media tried to blame his wife and marriage for his diminishing success. Now the question is how to set up something to get the media to say something to piss him off. Maybe all these attacks on his girlfriend for that trophy pose shot where she was gripping his neck could be that spark.
Gaurang · June 27, 2024 at 1:37 am
I like Paul and his game. But considering favorite May be an overkill esp with both Alcaraz and Sinner being strong on grass. Djokovic could also be a factor – and there are others who play strong on grass like Berrettini, Shapvalov etc.
For Tommy, a reasonable goal would be to reach QF, and aspirational goal to reach SF.
Scoop Malinowski · June 27, 2024 at 8:33 am
Gaurang, I remember you! Welcome back. If Paul can win Queens, he can win Wimbledon. It’s proven fact many Queens winners have won Wimbledon. He’s already made a grand slam semi at AO, Paul absolutely can win Wimbledon. I’m sure glad you’re not his mental coach setting his goals at QF or SF ) The goal should be one thing and one target only: Wimbledon champion.