"You think Novak Djokovic's going to win"- Tommy Paul recalls Carlos Alcaraz's "aggressive" display in maiden Wimbledon title run ahead of 2024 QF

Tommy Paul recently recalled Carlos Alcaraz's Wimbledon final contest against Novak Djokovic from last year, ahead of his quarterfinal match against the Spaniard. The American reached the final eight after defeating Roberto Bautista Agut 6-2, 7-6 (7), 6-2 in the fourth round.

Meanwhile, Alcaraz has shown promise throughout the tournament, defeating Mark Lajal and Aleksandar Vukic in straight sets in the first two rounds respectively. Although he faced a challenge against Frances Tiafoe, the 21-year-old ultimately triumphed 5-7, 6-2, 4-6, 7-6 (7), 6-2, and then advanced to the quarterfinals by defeating Ugo Humbert in the fourth round.

While speaking in his post-match press conference, Tommy Paul recalled last year's Wimbledon final, describing it as an "unbelievable" match. Heaping praise on the Spaniard for playing an aggressive style of tennis against Novak Djokovic, Paul said,

“Alcaraz was playing unbelievable to win the title. He played his style of tennis, very aggressive. It was very exciting to watch. I remember thinking that it was an unbelievable match," he said (via Punto de Break).

Paul further mentioned that predicting a winner before the match was difficult, despite many favoring Djokovic due to his past dominance.

"Before the game I didn’t know who was going to win. A lot of times in the past when Djokovic comes out to play, you think Djokovic is probably going to win the match. Before that match, I had no idea who was going to win . I was excited to see what would happen. It was an unbelievable match,” he added.

Djokovic, who claimed three Grand Slams last year, fell short of a fourth one at Wimbledon. Carlos Alcaraz defeated the Serb 1-6, 7-6(6), 6-1, 3-6, 6-4 in a grueling five-setter to secure his second Grand Slam title.

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"I feel like I’m playing pretty good right now" - Tommy Paul positive before facing Carlos Alcaraz at Wimbledon 2024

Tommy Paul in action at Wimbledon 2024

Tommy Paul expressed confidence ahead of his Wimbledon quarterfinal clash against Carlos Alcaraz. The American, who reached the Libema Open quarterfinals and won the Queen's Club Championships, is currently on a nine-match winning streak. After his fourth-round win at Wimbledon, he was asked if he could continue this streak against the Murcian.

Initially feigning modesty and praising his opponent, Paul said it would be a tough match given Alcaraz's dominance on grass.

"That would be really nice. I wouldn’t be mad about that at all," It’s definitely gonna be a tough match. He’s the defending champ. He plays amazing on grass," he said.

However, taking into account his recent form, he expressed confidence and remarked,

But I feel like I’m playing pretty good right now too…," he added.

The head-to-head record between Tommy Paul and Carlos Alcaraz stands even at 2-2. Alcaraz won their recent encounter at the ATP Masters 1000 in Cincinnati last year.