Tommy Paul has had to put off-court distractions in his rear view mirror at the Italian Open this week after the American's beloved truck was repossessed at his home in Florida.
Paul beat Hubert Hurkacz 7-6(4) 6-3 on Thursday to set up a semifinal against Jannik Sinner in Rome but it was clear the fate of his Ford F-150 was a worry for the world number 12, who has made more than $10 million in career prize money.
Tommy Paul said he had his truck repossessed this week, so had to win a couple matches in Rome to pay it off & get it back
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) May 15, 2025
Tommy: “On court everything has been going pretty well. Off court, a little bit of a stressful week. I got my truck repossessed. I missed a couple payments… pic.twitter.com/4b2FHQd31m
"It's been a great week on court so far. I feel like I've been getting a little bit better with every match. Off court, a little bit of a stressful week," said Paul.
"I got my truck repossessed. I missed a couple payments and they took my truck from my house this week. I've been grinding to get my truck back. If you know me, that's my baby."
Paul, who later shared a video on Instagram of his vehicle being towed away, added that his truck was on the way back home after he paid a $1 000 fine to the authorities.
"I'm excited to get it back. I had to win a couple matches so I could pay that off," said Paul after pocketing €291 040 ($325 964) for reaching the last four.
Paul is the first American man to reach consecutive semifinals in Rome since Pete Sampras in 1993-94 and he could return to the top 10 with a win over world No 1 Sinner.
Tommy Paul becomes the first American man to reach back to back Rome Semifinals since 1994.
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) May 15, 2025
Pete Sampras (1993 - 1994).
𝐓𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐲 𝐏𝐚𝐮𝐥 (𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒 - 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓).
🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/9cvCZyKibB
He is also seeking his first title of the season after capturing three in 2024 and a win in Rome would be the perfect build up to the French Open, which begins on May 25.