Tommy Paul names who he thinks is the 'cleanest ball-striker' on the ATP Tour, 'he's a great player'

Tommy Paul continues to impress in 2025, making a deep run at this week’s Italian Open.

The American star traveled to Rome for the Italian Open with ambitions of reaching the semi-finals just as he did in 2024.

After easing past Roberto Bautista Agut in his opener, Paul beat Tomas Machac in a three-set thriller to book his place in the last 16.

Photo by PIERO CRUCIATTI/AFP via Getty Images

There, Paul scored his first career victory over Alex de Minaur, having lost each of their previous five matches.

Paul then advanced past Hubert Hurkacz in straight sets, 7-6, 6-3, to return to the last four in Rome.

Speaking after the match, Paul named the player whom he believes is the ‘cleanest ball striker’ on the ATP Tour.

Tommy Paul says Jannik Sinner is the ‘cleanest ball striker’ in men’s tennis

During his post-match press conference, Paul was asked for his thoughts on his potential semi-final opponents, Casper Ruud and Jannik Sinner.

“Yeah, I mean, obviously Casper [Ruud] is coming off the biggest title of his career,” he said.

“He’s playing amazing tennis. Obviously super comfortable on the surface. A great player overall. If he wins, it will be a challenge.

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“Either way is a challenge. [Jannik] Sinner is obviously the number one player in the world, the best player in the world. He’s excited to be playing here in Rome, I’m sure. I’ve been watching him play this week. It’s been fun to watch.

“Doesn’t feel like he’s rusty very much at all. I’m excited either way. I mean, anytime you get to play the best players, you’re excited, you know?”

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Paul then shared his thoughts on Sinner’s ball striking, suggesting there’s no one who hits the ball ‘cleaner’ than the Italian.

“He hits the ball so big all the time. Feel like he can generate so much power from nothing. That’s one of the best parts of his game,” he said.

“Probably the cleanest ball-striker on tour. Obviously, a great competitor with that. Yeah, I mean, he’s number one in the world for a reason, you know?”

After missing three months of action, Sinner returned with a point to prove in Rome, winning his opening three matches without dropping a set.

Sinner’s win over Francisco Cerundolo in the fourth round was no doubt his toughest test yet, as he had to work hard to beat the in-form Argentine.

The American was asked whether he’d noticed Sinner improve match-by-match since returning from suspension.

“I’m not sure. I think even in the first match he seemed pretty good,” said Paul.

“Yeah, I mean, he’s a great player. He’s going to play good tennis at the big times.”

Paul is aware of the challenges his two prospective semi-final opponents would pose, as he trails the head-to-head with Ruud and Sinner.

Tommy Paul’s head-to-head record with Jannik Sinner and Casper Ruud

The 27-year-old has played Sinner four times in total, securing just the one win, on grass two years ago.

Match Surface Winner Loser Score 2024 US Open – 4R Hard Jannik Sinner Tommy Paul 7-6, 7-6, 6-1 2023 Canadian Open – SF Hard Jannik Sinner Tommy Paul 6-4, 6-4 2022 Eastbourne – 2R Grass Tommy Paul Jannik Sinner 6-3, 3-6, 6-3 2022 Madrid Open – 1R Clay Jannik Sinner Tommy Paul 6-7, 7-6, 6-3 Jannik Sinner and Tommy Paul’s head-to-head record

The pair have played once before on the clay, with Sinner prevailing in three sets at the 2022 Madrid Open.

Paul has fared slightly better against the Norwegian over the years, trailing their head-to-head, 2-4.

Match Surface Winner Loser Score 2024 Indian Wells – QF Hard Tommy Paul Casper Ruud 6-2, 1-6, 6-3 2023 Laver Cup – RR Hard Casper Ruud Tommy Paul 7-6, 6-2 2022 US Open – 3R Hard Casper Ruud Tommy Paul 7-6, 6-7, 7-6, 5-7, 6-0 2021 Australian Open – 2R Hard Casper Ruud Tommy Paul 3-6, 6-2, 6-4, 7-5 2020 French Open – 2R Clay Casper Ruud Tommy Paul 6-1, 1-6, 6-3, 1-6, 6-3 2017 Washington Open – 1R Hard Tommy Paul Casper Ruud 3-6, 7-5, 3-0 (RET) Casper Ruud and Tommy Paul’s head-to-head record

The world number 12 is also yet to beat Ruud on the clay, losing to him in their one encounter on the red dirt at Roland Garros in 2020.

Only time will tell if Paul can secure his maiden victory against either Sinner or Ruud on clay and advance to his first Masters 1000 final.

Paul will take on the winner of Ruud and Sinner on Friday, May 16.

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