Echoing Coco Gauff’s ’Horror’ Claim, Tommy Paul Calls Out One Tennis Tradition That Should Change

Tommy Paul has opened up about the one unique tradition he would gladly eliminate from trophy ceremonies at tennis tournaments. Paul’s sentiments echoed the amusing stance taken by Coco Gauff, who had to deal with the ordeal of the trophy presentation after her runner-up finish at the Italian Open.

Tommy Paul Shares Coco Gauff’s Frustrations With Post-Match Trophy Ceremonies

Gauff recently made a run to the final of the WTA 1000 event in Rome, but she fell short of clinching the title as Elina Svitolina claimed a 6-4, 6-7(3), 6-2 victory in their blockbuster showdown. After delivering her runner-up speech, the American hopped on Instagram and jokingly lamented the “horror” of having to endure the presentation ceremony experience.

“Top 5 horror movies 1. sitting through a trophy ceremony after you lose 2. talking after you lose 3. smiling with your finalist trophy 4. sitting through trophy ceremony when you lose 5. ceremony after you lose,” she posted.

“Me disassociating replaying all of my mistakes in my head and trying not to crash out during the ceremony,” she added.

MORE: ‘Trying Not To Crash Out’: Coco Gauff Jokes About Enduring ‘Horror’ Ordeal After Italian Open Heartbreak

Although Gauff made it clear that the remarks were meant as a lighthearted jest, she is not the only player to feel uncomfortable with the tradition. Paul expressed similar sentiments during his pre-tournament press conference at the French Open, disclosing that the custom requiring the runner-up to deliver a speech is the one thing he would change about tennis.

“If there was something that I would change, I don’t know. I don’t think a finalist should get trophies and have to do the whole stand up on the mic and talk to anybody. I don’t know many sports that do that. But that probably be my one thing,” he said.

The 29-year-old also reflected on his cool and composed on-court demeanor, explaining that, unlike some players, he performs best when he keeps his emotions in check rather than expressing them outwardly.

“I’m not actually that cool inside my head. But I found the less emotion I show on the court, the better it is for me. Everyone uses their emotions differently on court. Some people use it to their advantage when they’re getting very fired up or even breaking a racket and you’ll see some people turn it around and start playing amazing tennis after that. For me, I found that staying levelheaded throughout the whole match is what produces my best tennis,” he said.

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No. 24 seed Tommy Paul will kick off his French Open campaign against Australia’s Rinky Hijikata. Should he win, the American will lock horns with Lorenzo Sonego in the second round. Meanwhile, defending champion and No. 4 seed Coco Gauff is set to face compatriot Taylor Townsend in her opening match.