BNP PARIBAS OPEN

March 4, 2025

Tommy Paul

Press Conference

THE MODERATOR: Tommy, welcome back to the desert. Obviously the past few weeks you have been unlucky with a little injury and sickness. How are you feeling now?

TOMMY PAUL: Very good. Super happy to be back. Obviously this is most players' favorite place to play. Excited to get the tournament started.

THE MODERATOR: Questions.

Q. Semifinal last year. You seem to be doing better at this tournament every year. What are your expectations coming in? How are you feeling about being back and your game overall?

TOMMY PAUL: Yeah, I mean, I felt pretty good. Last week I played my first round, played a great first round, and then unfortunately got sick and wasn't able to play.

So hopefully can carry that level into this week, and, you know, put up some good results.

In terms of expectations, you know, I'm just really focused on the first round. I take it one round at a time always, so looking forward to that first match on Friday.

Q. Has it changed the last year or so coming to Indian Wells with the results that you've had, has the mindset changed at all?

TOMMY PAUL: Yeah, maybe just a little bit more confident. Confidence is huge in tennis, especially, I mean, any individual sport, confidence is a big, big thing.

So it's nice coming in knowing that I've played well. I like the conditions here. And yeah, hopefully that can carry me through a long week.

Q. Can you just tell us what the illness was last week and what the symptoms were and what you did to make yourself feel better by this week?

TOMMY PAUL: I mean, I think like a stomach virus or food poisoning or something. I had a fever, aching all over my body, throwing up. It was not a fun week (smiling).

But yeah, I mean...

Q. Were you home?

TOMMY PAUL: No, I went to LA. I went to LA and did the rest of my recovery there, and yeah, started hitting on Saturday or Sunday. Yeah, now I feel great. I kind of made, I'd say, a full recovery two days ago, three days ago.

Yeah, really just excited to be feeling healthy again and back at Indian Wells.

Q. The Hottie Slam, that was a really, really tough competition. We were rooting for you there in the final. Tough first round.

TOMMY PAUL: Thank you.

Q. Got to the final. Lose to Berrettini.

TOMMY PAUL: Exhausting week.

Q. What was that competition like for you?

TOMMY PAUL: So tough. Mentally draining. Just every day staring at the phone hoping I get the results that I'm looking for (smiling).

No, I think it's hilarious. I love those guys, I love their podcast, and I think it was a genius marketing play by them. They crush it.

Q. Hoping to do better next time?

TOMMY PAUL: Yeah, hopefully it's an annual thing. You know, hopefully I can get the dub next year.