Tommy Paul has had a bit of an indifferent 2025, with two quarterfinals coming from the four Grand Slam events and two early exits.
It’s been claimed recently that Paul picked up an injury at Wimbledon that, for a little while, threatened his participation at the US Open.
Paul won Queen’s in 2024 but was unable to defend his title this year, choosing to rest ahead of Wimbledon, where he would end up losing in the second round.
Paul’s coach has suggested when he might retire this week, although right now, he will not be thinking about that at the age of 28.
Now, some more news has emerged on Paul, and perhaps he has a big decision to make in the coming days.
Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty ImagesTommy Paul withdraws from Shanghai Masters
Last week, it was claimed that Paul was set to enter the Shanghai Masters, but clearly, he’s not up to it.
Now, Paul has officially withdrawn from the event, which means he still hasn’t played any tennis since the US Open.
With the withdrawal, it basically ends Paul’s chances of gatecrashing the ATP Finals, which will be played at the end of the year in Turin.
Paul has never taken part in the ATP Finals, and to miss out again will represent a real blow for the world number 15.
However, there is something far more important for Paul, and now could be the time for the American to take a leaf out of the book of another top star.
Paul must draw encouragement from Jack Draper
Although the Great Britain number one is at a different stage of his career compared to Paul, the player has made a very mature decision.
Draper decided to end his 2025 season after failing to recover from the shoulder injury that saw him withdraw from the US Open after winning his first-round match.
Now, with Paul having just a few tournaments left that he could possibly enter, it feels like a good time for him to take the opportunity to recharge and come back fully fit in 2026.
Paul has achieved his best success at a Grand Slam at the Australian Open, and the last thing he wants to do is go into that tournament undercooked.
It won’t be an easy decision to make, but with his body clearly not recovered yet, now is perhaps the time for Paul to make a decision that will provide short-term pain but offer long-term gain further down the line.