Paul Reaches Rome Semifinals For Second Straight Year
May 15, 2025 | By Long Island Tennis Magazine Staff
Photo Credit: Will Morales/USTA
Tommy Paul became the first American man to reach the semifinals at the Rome Masters in consecutive seasons since Pete Sampras in 1993-94. The 12th ranked Paul defeated Hubert Hurkacz 7-6(4), 6-3 on Thursday to secure his spot in the final four.
“Every time I come here, I feel at home,” said Paul. “The courts match up with my game really well. I feel comfortable out here and I’ve been playing some good tennis this week.”
Paul also defeated Hurkacz en route to his semifinal showing a year ago, and the two were locked into a battle in the first set, with each getting deep into the other’s service games. As a result, the opening set headed into a tiebreaker where Paul was able to outplay his Polish opponent.
The 27-year-old American carried his momentum into the second set. He saved the only break point he faced, and converted on the one chance he had on Hurkacz’s serve to win the match in straight sets.
“Both of us were returning so well, obviously we would have liked to be hitting our spots better on serve,” said Paul. “We were keeping the pressure in our service games. I thought I regrouped pretty well in the breaker, and then into the second set.”
Paul now awaits the winner of top-ranked Jannik Sinner and last week’s Madrid champion Casper Ruud.
