In a couple of weeks, Tommy Paul will be on his mother’s farm in New Jersey, taking care of more than 100 animals, operating a tractor and pulling trees. But for now, the American is focussed on continuing one of the best tournaments of his career at Wimbledon.
Three years after losing in the final round of qualifying to Jiri Vesely, the American turned the tables to down the Czech and reach the fourth round at a Grand Slam for the first time.
Victory on Court No. 3 marked another breakthrough moment for the 25-year-old, who is making his main draw debut at The Championships this week. After enjoying a standout junior career, which saw him win the 2015 Roland Garros boys’ singles title, Paul captured his first tour-level title in November, while he is at a current career-high No. 32 in the Pepperstone ATP Rankings .
Following his success, Paul is now accustomed to the lights and glamour of the Tour. However, it is a world away from his life back in the United States, where he frequently swaps his racquet for farm tools when he visits his mom in New Jersey.
“My mom and stepdad live on a farm in South Jersey, where they have roughly 100 chickens, six sheep, two dogs, a horse and a cat. I grew up in North Carolina, but my mum moved back to South Jersey when I turned pro. That is where she grew up,” Paul told ATPTour.com. “The animals have built up. It is something to do for her. When she is not at work, she is outside on the farm.
“After Wimbledon I will go home and help around the farm. They have hay barrels in the field. I am operating the tractor to move the barrels around. Anything from that, to pulling trees out of the ground. I am on it. Working around the farm is fun.”
Ever since he was young, Paul has held a love for animals and adventure. The 25-year-old, who owned a dog when younger, feels that his interests away from tennis have been crucial in helping him deal with the pressure of life on Tour.
“I have always tried to be an outside kind of guy, it helps me switch off,” Paul said. “Tennis is outdoors, but even when I am not playing tennis I try and stay outside. Whether that is the beach or when I am at home visiting my family, we are outside all day. When I was younger, we had a dog, so I would spend time outside with it.
“Now I love to go the beach and visit the Everglades when I am home. Any water sport I am into. I normally choose the beach over the Everglades, though, because I am not fond of visiting the…
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