ATP Masters 1000 – Rome, Italy
American Tommy Paul, currently ranked No. 12 in the world, booked his place in the semifinals of the Rome Masters for the second consecutive year, defeating Poland’s Hubert Hurkacz (No. 31) in straight sets, 7-6(4), 6-3 on Thursday.
The pair had previously met in the same stage of the tournament last year at the Foro Italico, where Paul also emerged victorious, winning 7-5, 3-6, 6-3 before falling in the semifinals to Chile’s Nicolás Jarry.
Paul’s consistent run in Rome adds to what has been a standout season. In 2024, he reached the quarterfinals of the Australian Open and claimed his second ATP title in Dallas, defeating Taylor Fritz in the final. He also made deep runs in Indian Wells and Miami, consolidating his position as one of the top American contenders on tour.
In the other semifinal, set on Wednesday, world No. 3 Carlos Alcaraz—who overcame Britain’s Jack Draper with a double 6-4—will face Italy’s Lorenzo Musetti (No. 9), who pulled off a major upset by eliminating world No. 2 Alexander Zverev 7-6(1), 6-4.
Rome is heating up with high-stakes clashes as the clay season heads toward Roland Garros.