Tommy Paul offered a candid look at life inside the ATP locker rooms in a new series, describing a close, respectful atmosphere among today’s players. The 29-year-old American, who has been a regular on Tour since 2017, said the current generation tends to avoid conflict as they travel the same circuit year-round, a contrast he believes exists with the 1990s, even though he did not compete in that era.
The Close-Knit Community of ATP Players
Paul has become a popular presence behind the scenes, helped by a tight-knit group of American peers. He is particularly close with Taylor Fritz and Frances Tiafoe, and Reilly Opelka served as best man at his wedding to Paige Lorenze last month. The strong U.S. contingent — with 14 American men inside the Top 100 of the ATP Rankings — has given tournaments a lively feel when the group gathers.
Early in his career, Paul drew inspiration from established compatriots such as John Isner and Steve Johnson. He also logged valuable practice time with Roger Federer at the US Open as a teenager and later trained for several days with Rafael Nadal in Miami. He recalls being struck by Federer’s attention to junior tennis at a time when the Swiss star had already collected 17 major titles.
As for match day habits, Paul considers himself sociable but said his focus tightens as he gets closer to walking on court. He is typically chatty with a familiar circle before warm-up, then keeps to himself afterward. Even when he faces close friends, shared locker-room space remains cordial.
Paul highlighted a key unwritten rule: celebrating a win should not happen in front of the player who just lost. He noted that newer players occasionally misjudge moments like these, but added that most veterans understand the etiquette and the room largely polices itself.
Now one of the more seasoned Americans, Paul aims to help younger players settle in as he once did. On court, he has collected five ATP Tour titles and 15 victories over Top-10 opponents. He also teamed with Fritz to win the men’s doubles bronze medal at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Paul’s take paints a picture of a Tour where hard competition coexists with everyday respect, friendships, and a steady stream of good-natured banter. This unique blend of camaraderie and competitiveness is what makes the ATP Tour a fascinating environment for players and fans alike.