Paris Masters: Tommy Paul stuns Rafael Nadal in first round
What's the story
American star Tommy Paul stunned Spanish ace Rafael Nadal at the Rolex Paris Masters. The former claimed a 3-6, 7-6(4), 6-1 victory, ending Nadal's bid to return to the top of the ATP Rankings. Paul has improved to a 4-4 record against the Top 5. His previous-best win came against Alexander Zverev earlier this year at Indian Wells. Here are the stats.
Stats
Here are the key stats from the match
Paul won a total of 99 points in the match. While Paul won 42 receiving points, Nadal claimed 31. Paul won 16 games compared to Nadal's 13. The former won a maximum of four games and five points. Paul had a win percentage of 84 on the first serve and 50 on the second serve. He won five out of eight break points.
Rankings
Nadal had returned to the top two
Earlier this year, Nadal returned to the top two (ATP Rankings) for the first time since May 3, 2021. As per ATP, he was ranked as low as world number six in January this year. Nadal exited in the R16 at the 2022 US Open, losing to American Frances Tiafoe. Before the Paris Masters, he was last seen in action at the Laver Cup.
Information
1-1 in terms of H2H record
Paul now has a 1-1 record versus Nadal in their head-to-head meetings. Prior to this win, Paul suffered a 0-6, 6-7 loss at the 2022 Mexico Open.
Form
Nadal is 38-6 in 2022
Before the US Open, Nadal was stunned by Borna Coric at the Cincinnati Masters. The former now has a 38-6 win-loss record this year. In January, the Spaniard defied all odds to win the Australian Open, claiming a record-breaking 21st major. Nadal then went to claim a record-extending 14th Roland Garros title. He opted out of Wimbledon semi-finals due to injury.
Matches
A look at the other notable matches
In other matches, Pablo Carreno Busta defeated Denis Shapovalov 7-6, 2-6, 6-4. Notably, Shapovalov committed nine double faults. 3rd seed Casper Ruud was beaten by Lorenzo Musetti 4-6, 6-4, 6-4. Number one seed Carlos Alcaraz took down Grigor Dimitrov 6-1, 6-3. Holger Rune overcame seventh seed Andrey Rublev 6-4, 7-5.
Words
I'm excited about playing [in Turin]: Nadal
After facing an early exit in Paris, Nadal is focusing on ATP Finals. "I'm excited about playing [in Turin], even if it hasn't been the perfect couple of months for me, of course," said Nadal. "But, yeah, nothing to lose. After a good year, going there, just trying my best." Nadal is seeking his first title at the ATP Tour's season finale.