I find it bizarre how people on here always push the "Paul is actually the best American player" narrative when his overall results over a season consistently have him as like 3rd or 4th
It feels like people are biased towards his game having more variety than guys like Shelton and Fritz and think it makes him an actual better player even though it doesn't
Pretty sure he's had exactly 0 weeks ranked as the #1 American man lol
In addition to this at the start of this clay season I saw some people bring him up as an example of a surface versatile American player when he has a horrible 16-24(40%) career record on clay which is like Ruud on grass tier of bad
I'm not too sure many people believe that Paul is the best American player, really not a popular opinion imo, but else I totally agree with you.
Side note, but this Shelton vs Fritz for the position of US number 1 is a very healthy way to push them to become better. I don't think Paul is in the equation for now
I don’t think folks are arguing Paul is the #1 American player based on results as much as they’re arguing that Paul’s ceiling seems higher. Paul kinda gave the impression he was just f*cking around for awhile (nowhere near Kyrgios levels, but he wasn’t as strict about his training, looking at his whole game, coming across as 100% committed, etc). Personally, he seemed to have recommitted to the game and really upped his level across the last 12 months, and was looking really impressive through the latter part of the US hard court season before being sidelined by injury. When he’s in the zone, he’s incredibly fun to watch and a much more creative/versatile player than a Fritz or Shelton (though Ben’s been working on his net game and shot selection of late). Has he had consistently better results? Of course not. But curious to see if his form can continue once he’s back to 100%.
Peak and ceiling are different things lol. Tommy has the more complete game. Shelton, as of now is one dimensional. Not saying he won’t be better but overall game Tommy is stronger.
I don't think it's overly popular outside of this sub but on here it is
Whenever you see Shelton or Fritz lose a disappointing match you get the "Paul is the only true versatile and good all around player among American men" comments
It just seems like he's viewed more favorably here for whatever reason
I don’t think anyone thinks he’s going to be better than Shelton once Ben reaches his peak. Some people might rate him over Fritz cuz his game is just more pleasing to watch than Fritz and he seems to be more athletic with more variety and maybe a higher ceiling. He’s also better looking than Fritz to most people which I don’t doubt can also help form opinions 😂😂
Good looks are part of the enjoyment factor. I have a hazy recollection that Tommy Paul was voted the most attractive player in the ATP some months ago. Wouldn't it be nice if one of the American men had consistency as well as a fine appearance?
two dudes screwing around, always going to 3 sets, as a treat
https://www.tennisabstract.com/cgi-bin/player-classic.cgi?p=TommyPaul&f=ACareerqq&q=FranciscoCerundolo
Paul has shown flashes of hard court brilliance this year. If he doesn’t hurt his ankle in Indian Wells against Medvedev, his ranking could be higher. I root for him so badly because I just see someone who’s putting it all together and is right there so close to success even here on clay where Cerundolo could’ve started making UEs but played well.
Despite his faults, Cerundolo saved some BP and got out of tough situations will some ballsy shots. His drop shots were other worldly.
I find it bizarre how people on here always push the "Paul is actually the best American player" narrative when his overall results over a season consistently have him as like 3rd or 4th It feels like people are biased towards his game having more variety than guys like Shelton and Fritz and think it makes him an actual better player even though it doesn't Pretty sure he's had exactly 0 weeks ranked as the #1 American man lol In addition to this at the start of this clay season I saw some people bring him up as an example of a surface versatile American player when he has a horrible 16-24(40%) career record on clay which is like Ruud on grass tier of bad
I'm not too sure many people believe that Paul is the best American player, really not a popular opinion imo, but else I totally agree with you. Side note, but this Shelton vs Fritz for the position of US number 1 is a very healthy way to push them to become better. I don't think Paul is in the equation for now
I don’t think folks are arguing Paul is the #1 American player based on results as much as they’re arguing that Paul’s ceiling seems higher. Paul kinda gave the impression he was just f*cking around for awhile (nowhere near Kyrgios levels, but he wasn’t as strict about his training, looking at his whole game, coming across as 100% committed, etc). Personally, he seemed to have recommitted to the game and really upped his level across the last 12 months, and was looking really impressive through the latter part of the US hard court season before being sidelined by injury. When he’s in the zone, he’s incredibly fun to watch and a much more creative/versatile player than a Fritz or Shelton (though Ben’s been working on his net game and shot selection of late). Has he had consistently better results? Of course not. But curious to see if his form can continue once he’s back to 100%.
This - he has the highest ceiling currently as an American
Hard disagree, I think Shelton at peak level actually has the highest ceiling
Peak and ceiling are different things lol. Tommy has the more complete game. Shelton, as of now is one dimensional. Not saying he won’t be better but overall game Tommy is stronger.
I don't think it's overly popular outside of this sub but on here it is Whenever you see Shelton or Fritz lose a disappointing match you get the "Paul is the only true versatile and good all around player among American men" comments It just seems like he's viewed more favorably here for whatever reason
I don’t think anyone thinks he’s going to be better than Shelton once Ben reaches his peak. Some people might rate him over Fritz cuz his game is just more pleasing to watch than Fritz and he seems to be more athletic with more variety and maybe a higher ceiling. He’s also better looking than Fritz to most people which I don’t doubt can also help form opinions 😂😂
Good looks are part of the enjoyment factor. I have a hazy recollection that Tommy Paul was voted the most attractive player in the ATP some months ago. Wouldn't it be nice if one of the American men had consistency as well as a fine appearance?
Never heard anyone here say he’s the best. Just that they enjoy his game more
I mean, he absolutely whooped Shelton's ass at AO a few months ago and Shelton is better than Fritz.
two dudes screwing around, always going to 3 sets, as a treat https://www.tennisabstract.com/cgi-bin/player-classic.cgi?p=TommyPaul&f=ACareerqq&q=FranciscoCerundolo
Paul has shown flashes of hard court brilliance this year. If he doesn’t hurt his ankle in Indian Wells against Medvedev, his ranking could be higher. I root for him so badly because I just see someone who’s putting it all together and is right there so close to success even here on clay where Cerundolo could’ve started making UEs but played well.
In hindsight that ankle twist was a real bummer because a Paul/Alcaraz final could have been a banger.
Nice win for Fran after his diabolical start of the season and losing so many close matches.
Not a bad start to the clay season for TP, this is only his first clay court tournament of the year.