At the age of 26, Tommy Paul, a professional tennis player born on May 17, 1997, has been making waves in the tennis world. In the 2023 Australian Open, he caught the spotlight as he reached the semifinals, where he faced the eventual champion, Novak Djokovic.
This moment not only showcased his talent on the court but also solidified his standing as a top-tier player in the competitive world of tennis. Tommy Paul’s tennis career is marked by dedication and achievements that have earned him immense recognition in his country.
The remarkable support he received from his family and the love of his life is truly the bedrock of his success. Let’s delve into his background, nationality, and the other facets of his life.
Tommy Paul’s family and nationality
Born to American parents Kevin and Jill MacMillan, Tommy Paul has a brother named Dylan and a sister named Jessie Lynn. Although he was born in New Jersey, he grew up in North Carolina, firmly establishing his American nationality. It is reported that his parents are separated now and Paul stays with his mom, Jill MacMillan.
A very special day. 💙@TommyPaul1 • #AusOpen • #AO2023 pic.twitter.com/xAOpZi6upz
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 25, 2023
Paul’s journey in tennis started at the age of 7, with his mom, Jill MacMillan, who once played college tennis at East Carolina University, taking on the role of his first coach. This foundation laid the path for his remarkable tennis career.
Tennis career and prize earnings of Tommy Paul
Paul’s professional tennis debut in 2015 marked the beginning of an impressive journey. That very year, he secured the French Open junior title by defeating fellow American Taylor Fritz, propelling him to world no. 3 in the junior rankings. Over the years, Paul’s ascent in the tennis world has been steady, culminating in his victory at the 2021 Stockholm Open, his sole ATP title to date.
Notably, in 2023, he clinched significant wins, including a monumental victory over World No. 1 Alcaraz on his way to the ATP Masters 1000 semifinals in Toronto, the first American to do so in six years.
DID YOU KNOW❓
With his win over Alcaraz in Toronto, 🇺🇸 Tommy Paul is the first American man to defeat a World #1 in almost SIX years. 💥
The last U.S. man to do it in a tour-level match was Isner, who beat a #1-ranked Nadal at Laver Cup on September 24th, 2017—2,147 days ago.
— TENNIS (@Tennis) August 12, 2023
Presently, Tommy Paul holds an impressive world ranking of # 12. He boasts a commendable record of 6-7 against top 5 rankers. His total career prize money stands at a substantial $6.2 million, and he has earned $2.4 million in 2023 alone to date.
Love Life of Tommy Paul
In 2022, Tommy Paul found love with Paige Lorenze, a social media influencer who commands a following of over 500,000 on Instagram. Lorenze is a devoted companion, frequently seen supporting Paul during his tournaments. She expressed her belief in his success, during his 2023 AO Open semifinals run, “I wasn’t surprised. I was like, ‘This is where he should be and this is where he deserves to be.’”
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Reflecting on the atmosphere at the 2023 US Open, Lorenze stated, “People are really excited about tennis. It’s a pretty rowdy, fun crowd—in a good way. People are really supportive. There are some matches we go to where only two people are rooting for Tommy! It’s not like that here.”
Tommy Paul’s farming escapade
When he’s not playing on the court, Tommy Paul finds solace on his family’s farm in South Jersey. The farm, managed by his mother and stepdad, is a bustling place with around 100 chickens, six sheep, two dogs, a horse, and a cat. Although he grew up in North Carolina, his mother’s return to her hometown prompted the farm’s gradual expansion. Tommy contributes to farm activities when he’s back home.
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As he puts it across to New York Magazine, “I’m not gonna just, like, sit inside and do nothing. I obviously don’t know anything, but I get out there and try to help anyway. It’s fun. It’s a nice change-up, you know?” The farm offers a refreshing change of place for him in his leisure time, providing an escape from the demands of the professional tennis circuit, where he can reconnect with his family roots and nature.