In 2025, Tommy Paul lost in the semifinals of the U.S. Men’s Clay Court Championship to Jenson Brooksby in a third-set tiebreaker. Paul again went the distance in his semifinal match 12 months later, but this time he outlasted Frances Tiafoe 7-5, 4-6, 7-6(7).
The American’s reward is a first-ever showdown against surprising finalist Roman Andres Burruchaga on Sunday.
Burruchaga is perhaps best known for being the son of Jorge Burruchaga, who scored the game-winning goal for Argentina in the final of the 1986 World Cup. Now, though, the tennis-playing Burruchaga is making a name for himself with his on-court results. The 24-year-old is well inside the top 100 at No. 77 and could climb all the way into the top 60 if he lifts the trophy on Sunday. Burruchaga has advanced to the Houston final with victories over Adam Walton, Brandon Nakashima, Learner Tien, and Thiago Agustin Tirante.
Following a first-round bye, Paul defeated Adolfo Daniel Vallejo and Tomas Martin Etcheverry before scraping past Tiafoe in the semis. Thus continues an impressive run for the world No. 21, who finished runner-up in Delray Beach and reached the quarters in Miami before losing an epic three-setter against Arthur Fils.
Paul is 4-4 lifetime in ATP finals. Burruchaga is playing in his first ATP final. In fact, the Argentine had been 6-10 all time on the main tour prior to this week.
The surface and Paul’s marathon semifinal could even the playing field a bit, but Houston’s No. 4 seed should still have a significant edge.
Pick: Paul in 2