Tommy Paul feels right at home on European clay. Swiatek to play Sabalenka in Italian Open final

ROME (AP) — Unlike most Americans who can’t find their footing on clay when they come to Europe, Tommy Paul feels right at home on the red dirt.

That’s because he grew up playing on the surface in Greenville, North Carolina.

“That was all I played on, even before going to play hard-court tournaments. The green clay, not the good stuff,” Paul said. “I’m comfortable on it. I’m really enjoying my time on it right now.”

Is he ever.

Paul beat ninth-ranked Hubert Hurkacz 7-5, 3-6, 6-3 on Thursday to reach the Italian Open semifinals and follow up his straight-set victory over defending champion Daniil Medvedev two days earlier.

It’s the best result on red clay of his career. At least at the senior level.

As a junior, Paul won the French Open boys’ title in 2015.

In the semifinals on Friday, the 16th-ranked Paul will face Nicolas Jarry, who rallied past Monte Carlo Masters champion Stefanos Tsitsipas 3-6, 7-5, 6-4.