The dream lives on for Tommy Paul. The 20-year-old barged into the third round of the Citi Open with a convincing 7-6 (6), 6-3 win over Lucas Pouille on Wednesday. It was a historic victory for Paul who defeated a career top 20 player for the first time. The momentum now is clearly with Paul who just last week reached his first ATP quarterfinal.
Things are bound to get tougher, though, for Paul as standing in his way in the next round is veteran Gilles Muller. For Paul to record a major upset against the world no. 21, he needs to continue his excellent play on the service end. The New Jersey native won 80 percent of his first serve points in the shock win against Pouille. That serve has been instrumental in the resurgence of Paul who went just 3-12 in the second half last season.
Gilles Muller stormed into the third round of the 2017 Citi Open with a resounding 6-1, 6-2 victory over Dmitry Tursunov on Wednesday. It was an impressive showing by the 34-year-old, who needed just 46 minutes to eliminate the Russian. Providing the impetus for Muller’s victory was his excellent serve. He converted 77 percent (30-of-39) of his first serves against Tursunov with the Luxembourg native winning 25 of his 30 first serve points.
Muller will look to continue his terrific form in the round of 16 when he takes on fan favorite Tommy Paul. Muller will be licking his chops at the prospect of facing Paul as he is 1-0 against the young American in their head-to-head matchup. Muller destroyed Paul just last week in Atlanta, 6-3, 6-1. For Muller to replicate that feat tonight, he needs to continue his solid return play and put pressure once again on Paul’s serve. Muller won 50 percent of his receiving points in the second round against Tursunov with the world no. 21 converting four of his six break point chances.
