Rick Macci Analysis: Tommy Paul

Legendary coach Rick Macci has been delivering succinct analyses of the games of several leading pros through in depth interviews with Florida Tennis editor Jim Martz. Macci continues in this post with American male player Tommy Paul.  

I remember Tommy back when he was 14, back at the USTA Player Development. The guy was a human backboard. Back then he really didn't break an egg, but he was steady as a rock. And then as he grew, he got bigger, stronger, faster. 

His backhand was always technically very sound, his forehand was maybe a little dodgy at times, but that's solidified. He can hit spots on his serve. He is, once again, like Frances, he's one of the best athletes in the world. And when you can move like that, you've got a chance against anybody. Speed is money.

If you're there you can deliver the goods. If you're not there, you might have to chip it or lob, where maybe he can produce quality off his groundstrokes. I love his game. He's going to be top 10 for a long, long time. He can win a couple Grand Slams.

I'd like to see a little more mustard on the first serve. I think he should come in a little bit more, but he's one of the next great Americans, along with Frances, along with Korda, along with Tiafoe. These guys all are going to be top 10 and they're not going anywhere.

You know, there's a changing of the guard.

I really like Tommy's game. And I love, more importantly, he is not afraid and he knows he belongs. When you know you belong, you expect to win, not hope to win. I love Tommy Paul.

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Interview with Rick Macci by Florida Tennis' Founder and Editor Jim Martz. Photos: Keith Allison (CC BY-SA 2.0); si.robi (CC BY-SA 2.0) / Flickr. This article also appears in the July-August 2023 issue of Florida Tennis Magazine. Be sure to subscribe for expanded coverage, exclusive interviews, and in-depth tennis news.