Tommy Paul reached a first ATP Tour clay-court final of his career after defeating Frances Tiafoe in a nail-biting Houston Open contest.
The American advanced to his second ATP final of the season after defeating his compatriot 7-5, 4-6, 7-6 in two hours and 45 minutes.
It was an impressive performance from the American star, who has demonstrated excellent form at the start of 2026 following an injury-hit 2025 season.
Paul, who now holds a 4-1 winning record over Tiafoe, offered his immediate reaction to the victory in an interview with a WTA spokesperson.
Tommy Paul ‘super proud’ after beating Frances Tiafoe in Houston
“Oh man. I’m super proud of that,” Paul said during his on-court interview in Houston. “The whole tiebreaker I was like ‘don’t think about it. Don’t think about it.’”
“I felt like I did a good job of playing big when I needed to. That was an incredible match with Big Foe [pictured below].
For Tiafoe, it was the second consecutive match that had gone to a final set tiebreak.
The night prior, Tiafoe had defeated Australian player Alexei Popyrin 3-6, 6-4, 7-6; winning the final set tiebreak 8-6.
“I watched his match last night,” Paul continued, speaking of Tiafoe’s stunning victory over Popyrin.
“He’s [Tiafoe] been always one of the most entertaining guys to watch. I’m so happy we got to play that match here today.
“It’s been a while since we had a battle like that. Pretty cool to do it here in front of you guys.
“First final here in Houston. I couldn’t be more excited. I had my first ever tour level win here. It’s obviously a very special place for me.
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“I’m going to come out and do my best tomorrow. Hopefully we can go home with the big trophy.”
Who will Tommy Paul play in the Houston Open final?
Tommy Paul is set to play Argentine Roman Andres Burruchaga in the Houston Open final.
Burruchaga, the world number 76, has defeated Adam Walton, Brandon Nakashima, Learner Tien and Thiago Agustin Tirante on his way to the final.
Paul and Burruchaga have never played each other before on the ATP Tour.
Tommy Paul’s run in Houston
- beat Daniel Vallejo 3-6, 6-4, 6-4
- beat Tomas Etchevery 6-4, 6-2
- beat Frances Tiafoe 7-5, 4-6, 7-6
- Roman Andres Burruchaga: ?
Paul and Burruchaga are set to play the Houston Open final at 8:30 pm GMT. For those on the east coast of America, you will be able to watch the match from 4:30 pm.
Paul has already improved upon his result at the 2025 Houston Open, where he reached the semi-finals before losing to eventual champion Jenson Brooksby.
