"Those guys would have such big holes in their game and be able to hide it": Tommy Paul lauds idol Roddick for masking weaknesses in his game

Tommy Paul spoke about his idol Andy Roddick after achieving the biggest victory of his career against Carlos Alcaraz at the Canadian Open.

The American surprised the world No. 1 by displaying a high level of tennis to secure the victory in the quarterfinals with a score of 6-3, 4-6, 6-3. This is the second time that Tommy Paul has defeated Alcaraz, but the first time with the Spaniard as the world's top-ranked player.

Ranked at World No. 14, he advanced to the semifinals of the National Bank Open Toronto and is rapidly approaching the top 10 after starting the year at the 32nd position.

At 26 years old, Paul was asked about a role model he had while growing up, and he mentioned his compatriot Andy Roddick, recalling Roddick's victory in the 2003 US Open final.

“I can't say that I, like, remember the actual match. Six years old was when I started playing tennis. I remember, you know, like, the posters from the US Open that year or even remember, like, what outfit he was wearing," Tommy Paul said.

"Like, I wanted to wear that outfit for three years after it, you know. But I wouldn't say, like, I really -- he was definitely one of my idols growing up, but I couldn't say I really tried to play like him or model my game after him," he added.

Paul also commented that he enjoys watching tennis from the 80s and 90s on YouTube and how players were able to mask some of their weaknesses in their game.

“I watch a lot of tennis, but I wouldn't say I model my game after too many players. I try and copy certain shots, you know. But I watch a lot of older tennis, actually. I watch a lot of tennis from, like, the '80s and '90s. That's where I, like, go back on YouTube and watch tennis from back then," Paul said.

"And it's really cool how those guys would have such big holes in their game and be able to hide it, similar to Roddick. Like, he didn't have a great backhand. He would hide it with his slice. I mean, it's easy to hold serve when you have Roddick's serve," he added.

Paul is ready to face the 21-year-old Jannik Sinner, with whom he has a head-to-head record of 1-1. The match will determine the second finalist of the Canadian Open, who will face Alex de Minaur for the title on Sunday.

The Australian defeated Spanish player Alejandro Davidovich Fokina in this round and secured his first Masters 1000 final in his career.