Twelve months ago, Tommy Paul advanced to the fourth round at Wimbledon. This week, the American is on the charge again at SW19, where the 15th seed will face 2022 Next Gen ATP Finals runner-up Jiri Lehecka for a place in the last 16.
ATPTour.com got to know more about Paul’s life off court, his favourite holiday destination and much more in this edition of ‘The Nomadic Life’.
[ATP APP]
What are two essential non-tennis items you always pack for trips?
My iPad just to watch shows and stuff and headphones. I’ve always got to be listening to music. Right now I am watching 11.22.63. It is about going back in time and trying to stop the killing of Kennedy. That’s quite interesting.
Have you ever forgotten or lost something on a trip that caused problems?
I forget phone chargers all the time. Headphones as well. I forget them two or three times a year. I have like six pairs of headphones at home because I’m buying them at the airport every time I forget them.
How much do you enjoy travelling?
I don’t love it, but I love playing tennis, so I put up with the travel. I don’t think you’ll see me out of the United States in December ever.
Where’s your favourite place to go for vacation?
I went to Colorado last year, that was probably my favourite. I did a little snowboarding. It was my first time in the mountains, so it was pretty cool.
[BREAK POINT]
Do you get to the airport early or leave it until the last moment?
I like to go for the last-minute rush, but my coach likes to get there early and have time to relax. So for him we go early.
How much do you think of taking care of your body while travelling?
I try get to tournaments three days in advance. I have that time to get my body right. If I have something aching a little bit, I travel with my physio. As soon as we land, we usually get to the hotel and do a little bit of bodywork, get everything moving, do some mobility, and that usually helps.
Do you have any tips to get over jetlag?
I mean we get used to it. Coming back to the United States is always really easy, but going anywhere is tough. I mean, coming back from Australia is tough. Coming to Europe, it’s not that bad. I mean, you just got to make it to the end of the day, at least 8 p.m. or 9 p.m.
And then after two days you [are] pretty much adjusted. If you take a nap when you land coming from the United States, your next day could be tough trying to fall asleep.