Tommy Paul will be competing in his first-ever ATP final when he takes the court on Sunday afternoon in Stockholm. Standing in his way of the title is defending champion Denis Shapovalov.
Denis Shapovalov and Tommy Paul will be going head-to-head for the first time in their careers when they clash in the final of the Stockholm Open on Sunday.
It is Paul’s first appearance in an ATP title match, and to say it is well-deserved would be a gross understatement. The world No. 52 has quite simply been the best player at this tournament all week long. After easing past Leo Borg in round one, Paul upset Taylor Fritz 6-4, 6-4, outlasted Andy Murray 6-2, 3-6, 6-3, and got the best of an in-form Frances Tiafoe 5-7, 7-6(5), 6-4.
Shapovalov followed up a first-round bye as the No. 3 seed by beating Andrea Vavassori 7-6(1), 6-1, Arthur Rinderknech 4-6, 6-3, 7-5, and Felix Auger-Aliassime 6-4, 7-5. The Canadian had been just 5-9 in his last 14 matches dating back to Wimbledon prior to arriving in Stockholm.
“It’s crazy that it’s our first meeting ever,” Shapovalov said. “We grew up in juniors together; he was a couple of years older. I am a big fan of his game and it was only a matter of time before he came up with a week like this. We’re big shot-makers, so it should be fun.”
Although the world No. 18 is the defending champion in Stockholm, Paul has never been afraid of the big stage nor has he ever really displayed signs of mental fragility. The American should handle the occasion of his first final without any trouble and cap off his impressive week in style.
Pick: Paul in 3
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