American tennis star Tommy Paul recently reflected on “wasting” a couple of crucial years by opting to turn professional instead of playing college tennis. The candid admission came on the heels of his emphatic straight-set victory over Argentina’s Thiago Agustín Tirante at the 2026 Australian Open.
For context, Paul did not play college tennis, choosing to turn professional straight out of high school. Although he had committed to the University of Georgia, he ultimately decided to become a pro after winning the French Open junior title in 2015.
Tommy Paul Honestly Admits to ‘Wasting’ Couple of Years by Skipping College Tennis After Australian Open 2R Win
Paul was just 18 when he turned professional, but the transition was far from smooth. The American admitted to losing his way during the early stages of his career, partying through his first two years on tour. That period also included a troubling incident in which he competed in a US Open doubles match under the influence.
As part of his effort to reset and refocus, Paul later underwent alcohol testing and completed mandated community service hours.
Most importantly, the American is honest enough to admit that he could have used those years to shape his game in college tennis. Speaking at his press conference after his 6-3, 6-4, 6-2 win over Tirante, Paul admitted he regrets skipping college tennis and that he wasted the early years after turning pro.
He believes attending the University of Georgia would have helped, and now advises youngsters to choose college, especially given that athletes are now being paid.
“Oh yeah, totally. I tell everyone if I were to do it again, I would have gone to school, would have gone to Georgia. I committed to play at Georgia and then turned pro after winning the Junior French Open and I kind of wasted a couple of years, after turning pro. At in my eyes, it felt like that. So yeah, I mean, especially the way that it is now, people getting paid to go play in school. I would tell a lot of people that are 17, 18 to go to school,” he said.
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During an episode of the Nothing Major Podcast, Paul revealed that he even began taking online college classes, uncertain whether a long-term career in tennis would materialize.
However, he remained determined to stage a comeback, breaking into the top 100 in 2019. Now ranked World No. 20, Paul is a four-time tour titlist and a former World No. 8, underscoring the turnaround in his life.
The World No. 20 remains firmly focused on a deep run in Melbourne and has advanced to the third round. He now awaits a demanding test, set to face the winner of the clash between Reilly Opelka and Alejandro Davidovich Fokina.
