"We'll talk" - Tommy Paul enlists Frances Tiafoe's help to strategize against Carlos Alcaraz ahead of Wimbledon QF showdown

After a valiant effort from Frances Taifoe, now Tommy Paul will look to end Carlos Alcaraz’s Wimbledon title defense. The two are slated to meet in the quarterfinals on Tuesday.

Tiafoe found himself leading against Alcaraz in their third-round match last week, but eventually went down 5-7, 6-2, 4-6, 7-6(2), 6-2.

Paul now faces the mammoth task of taking down the reigning champion. The American, who eased to a 6-2, 7-6(4), 6-2 win over Roberto Bautista Agut in his last match, while speaking to the media during his post-match press conference recalled watching Tiafoe and Alcaraz on Centre Court, saying it was his first time in the stadium.

The American said he spoke to Tiafoe briefly about the match, but may talk to him again to get some tips.

"I think it was two days ago when they played, it was the first time I went to Centre Court at Wimbledon," Tommy Paul said. "I went to see him. But I was a bit late. I got there at the end of the fourth set."

"From then on it didn't go so well for him," he continued. "We talked a bit today, but not too much, because he knew that I had to play another match before playing Alcaraz. But we will probably talk a bit."

Paul addressed the challenges of facing Alcaraz, someone who he has squared off against in the past. He said a lot will depend on how well both of them serve before expressing his excitement ahead of the showdown.

“The serve is always the most important shot in men’s tennis," Tommy Paul said. "It will be something I will want to do very well in my next round. But the return is also very important. The serve and the return are very important for me."

"We both play a pretty aggressive style of tennis. He has been playing very well and ultra-aggressive. It’s fun for people. Honestly, it’s a lot of fun to play against Alcaraz . I’m very excited for the match,” he added.

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Tommy Paul looks to follow Frances Tiafoe in challenging Carlos Alcaraz at Wimbledon Centre Court

Tommy Paul at Wimbledonn 2024 - Getty Images

Tommy Paul could well be making his Centre Court debut with his Wimbledon quarterfinal against Carlos Alcaraz. The American, who admitted to having stepped onto the stadium for the first time to watch the Frances Tiafoe-Alczraz encounter, said he was excited about the opportunity.

He dubbed the court tennis’ “most iconic”, but noted that the schedule has not been released and he will be ready to play on any court that he is assigned.

“Centre Court at Wimbledon is probably the most iconic court in tennis," Tommy Paul said. "I’m more excited than anything. I don’t think the schedule has been released."

"It’s not confirmed that I’ll be playing on Centre Court. Like I said, I don’t care where they put me. If it’s on Centre Court, I’m happy. If it’s on Court 1, I’ll be ready to play on Court 1,” he added.

Paul has reached Wimbledon's second week on one piror occasion, but by winning his fourth-round match this year, he has already bettered his best result at the Slam.