Get to Know American Tennis Player Tommy Paul: 5 Facts About His Life and Career

By | Niranjan Bhargav 25 Feb, 2023

Rising American tennis star Tommy Paul has been making waves in the sport since turning professional in his teens. At 25 years old, he reached his first Grand Slam semifinal at the 2023 Australian Open, where he faced off against Novak Djokovic. Although he lost in straight sets, his impressive performance signaled that there is much more to come from this talented athlete. So who is Tommy Paul, and what makes him stand out?

Growing Up in North Carolina:

Tommy Paul was born in New Jersey but moved to Greenville, North Carolina at just three months old. He began playing tennis at age 7, and his mother, Jill MacMillan, was his first coach. Jill played tennis in college at East Carolina University and was so proud of her son’s achievements that she flew straight to the Australian Open in her scrubs to watch him compete.

A Steady Climb to the Top:

Tommy Paul made his professional debut in 2015 and won the French Open junior title that same year. He has since steadily climbed the ranks, and his win at the Stockholm Open in 2021 is his only ATP title to date. Currently ranked number 35 in the world, Paul is expected to break into the top 20 following his strong showing at the Australian Open.

Close-Knit Tennis Community:

Paul grew up playing tennis with Frances Tiafoe, Reilly Opelka, and Taylor Fritz, and as of August 2022, he was roommates with Opelka in Florida. The group is tight-knit, with Fritz saying that “It’s amazing to be able to travel around the world with these guys, [and] hang out with them. It definitely helps a lot with the fact that you’re never home when you have some of your closest friends with you.” The success of his fellow American players also motivates Paul to push himself further.

A Love Story:

Off the court, Paul is dating social media influencer Paige Lorenze. The couple has been together since last year, and Lorenze has over 400,000 followers on Instagram. Paul himself is active on social media, with accounts on Instagram and Twitter.

Working on the Family Farm:

When he’s home, Paul helps out on his family’s farm in South Jersey. The farm is home to over 100 chickens, six sheep, two dogs, a horse, and a cat, and his mother is always happy to have his assistance. Paul enjoys the change of pace from tennis and says, “I’m not gonna just, like, sit inside and do nothing. I obviously don’t know anything, but I get out there and try to help anyway. It’s fun. It’s a nice change-up, you know?“

Tommy Paul’s story is one of hard work and dedication, both on and off the tennis court. His close-knit relationships with other American players and his love for his family’s farm demonstrate his grounded nature, while his impressive performances at the Australian Open prove that he has what it takes to become a true star in the world of tennis. Tennis fans should keep an eye on Tommy Paul as he continues to climb the ranks and make his mark on the sport.