Tommy Paul defeated his friend and compatriot Taylor Fritz to avenge the defeat he suffered at his hands two years ago at the 2024 edition of the Delray Beach Open.
I heard a lot of American tennis songs today and I promise we love them and we are trying very hard for you. Tommy Paul
Fifth-seeded Paul upset top-seeded Fritz 6-4 6-3 in just 76 minutes, dashing Fritz’s hopes of becoming champions there for a third time.
“The last time we played was actually on this field, so it’s cool to be playing 15 minutes from home against one of my best friends, old friends,” Paul said in his on-field interview. “I heard a lot of American tennis songs today and I promise we love them and we are trying very hard for you.
“As far as the match goes, I thought I moved really well. I thought I served really well in the tight spots,” Paul added. “If you hold serve, you’re in the match most of the time. I found my way on some big break points and I was really happy with how I played today.”
The 28-year-old will next play against one of the fastest rising stars on the ATP Tour, the current Next Gen Champion. Pupil Ten, who recovered from a collapse in the deciding set to eliminate champion and 2018 compatriot Frances Tiafoe 7-6(5) 3-6 7-5.
“He’s clearly been looking forward to it over the past year. He’s undoubtedly one of the best players in the world now,” Paul continued. “He’s an exciting player to watch. I haven’t played against him yet so we’ll see how he plays. I’m sure it won’t be easy. But I’ll do everything I can to prepare for that match.”
Meanwhile, Sebastian Korda produced a composed performance to upset second seed Casper Ruud 4-6 6-2 6-2 in two hours and 6 minutes to reach his first semi-final at the event since 2021.
“I tried to fight as much as I could,” Korda said. “Luckily I found some form and then started playing really well [first set].”
After an opening set full of mistakes, in which he made seventeen unforced errors, Korda took control in the second set. He got the initiative with a hard break at 3-2 and took the 40-0 on Ruud’s serve.
Korda claimed another break in the eighth game during his run to level the match and kept his nerve to claim the place in the semi-finals, where he faced Italian third seed Flavio Cobolli, who defeated Coleman Wong 7-5 6-7(7) 6-2 in two hours and 14 minutes.
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