Marijuana Smoke and a Constant Din? All Good for Tommy Paul in New York

Tommy Paul is embracing the New York chaos in each potential means on the 2026 US Open.

Chris OddoSeptember 5, 20262 minute learn

Marijuana smoke wafting into Louis Armstrong Stadium? The fixed chatter of followers who at occasions appear extra all for one another than the tennis? 

All good with Tommy Paul. 

The Twentieth-seeded American battled previous Alexander Bublik on Friday in New York, and afterwards mentioned that he beloved every thing about taking part in in New York Metropolis. 

“I believe it most likely helps me,” he mentioned when requested about his expertise in Armstrong. “I very a lot benefit from the loud noise on Armstrong and all through the US Open. I believe it’s plenty of enjoyable, and it’s totally different. 

“I believe that’s what separates the US Open from different slams and makes it extra enjoyable for folks to attend. That’s most likely why we’ve, I imply, a special group of individuals coming to the US Open than you’d see at Wimbledon. It’s enjoyable.” 

Paul, who will face Carlos Alcaraz within the spherical of 16, thinks the group will likely be just a little bit extra engaged for that contest. 

“I believe the group goes to be excited for the matchup. Clearly the group at each match loves Carlos, however you realize, I’m American, so hopefully they will get behind me just a little bit,” he mentioned. 

Ukraine’s Marta Kostyuk, who gained on Grandstand on Day 6, gave her personal evaluation. 

“I don’t bear in mind what it’s like on the opposite courts, however Armstrong and Ashe are very, very, very loud always,” she mentioned. 

“I believe it relies on the day, how drained you might be and the way ready you might be to disconnect and simply give attention to taking part in. It was just a little bit tough for me within the match with Sloane (Stephens, on Armstrong in spherical two) throughout the first couple of video games. However as a result of there’s this fixed noise, you ultimately get used to it and don’t even hear it anymore.

“I believe gamers cope with it in numerous methods. Some are extra susceptible to being distracted by it, and a few are extra tremendous. For me, it relies on the day.”