In 2025, Tommy Paul lost in the semifinals of the U.S. Men’s Clay Court Championship to Jenson Brooksby in a third-set tiebreaker. Paul again went the distance in his semifinal match 12 months later, but this time he outlasted Frances Tiafoe 7-5, 4-6, 7-6(7).
The American’s reward is a first-ever showdown against surprising finalist Roman Andres Burruchaga on Sunday.
Burruchaga is perhaps best known for being the son of Jorge Burruchaga, who scored the game-winning goal for Argentina in the final of the 1986 World Cup. Now, though, the tennis-playing Burruchaga is making a name for himself with his on-court results. The 24-year-old is well inside the top 100 at No. 77 and could climb all the way into the top 60 if he lifts the trophy on Sunday. Burruchaga has advanced to the Houston final with victories over Adam Walton, Brandon Nakashima, Learner Tien, and Thiago Agustin Tirante.
Following a first-round bye, Paul defeated Adolfo Daniel Vallejo and Tomas Martin Etcheverry before scraping past Tiafoe in the semis. Thus continues an impressive run for the world No. 21, who finished runner-up in Delray Beach and reached the quarters in Miami before losing an epic three-setter against Arthur Fils.
Paul is 4-4 lifetime in ATP finals. Burruchaga is playing in his first ATP final. In fact, the Argentine had been 6-10 all time on the main tour prior to this week.
The surface and Paul’s marathon semifinal could even the playing field a bit, but Houston’s No. 4 seed should still have a significant edge.
Pick: Paul in 2
WWW?
Hmmm. What do you call a deer with no eyes?
I’m sentimental about Paul getting another title because he has worked his posterior off and is playing so well. He’s had such a long road to this level. But may the best person on the day win.
That was so interesting about the soccer player father. I vaguely remember Argentina winning in 1986. I wonder if he’ll make the trip out to see his son’s first ATP final. Or maybe he’s been there all along already, anyone know?
That was the same year as Maradonnas Hnad of God
Time is a bit discombobulating.
Watched a concert video from 1983 yesterday.🙀
Interestingly it hadn’t dated at all, because it was unconventional in the first place. You couldn’t even tell from the clothes or haircuts, let alone the songs. Could have been from anytime. (Stop Making Sense film)
No doubt Burruchaga is feeling confident and will play freely in this match, still hard to see anything other than Paul, Paul in 2 6-4, 7-5.
And the other finals? Do you think?
Navone vs Merida and Jodar vs Marco
Tennishead what do you think?
Why dont you talk of Jodar??
Burruchaga in 3 man on a mission
almost!
How nice, Tommy Paul got one!
And when Burruchaga gets over the initial disappointment he can be very proud of his run and polish some silverware.