Never two without three?

Tommy Paul is coming off two consecutive semifinals in the Rome tournament, each time with an opening match that was easily handled by the American. Will that be the case again this year? On paper, he’s facing an Australian who hasn’t won much this season. Alexander Vukic has just earned his first win on clay, against the American Kypson, on his sixth attempt, and he hasn’t been playing only easy opponents. The Australian has managed to raise his level in Rome and showed his hunger for victory against an American who was physically a bit diminished. If Tommy Paul plays his game at at least 80%, his all-around qualities should be enough. For a first match in the tournament, and after a poor showing in Madrid, the American might need a few games to find his tennis. But even so, I don’t think there will be any big surprises.