HAMBURG, March 14, 2024
People from Switzerland are often perceived as rather reserved or, to put it in modern Swiss dialect, “gmögig”. These attributes certainly apply to Jakub Paul as well. The 24-year-old is competing this week at the Challenger Hamburg and is part of a group of Swiss players who belong to the post-Federer/Wawrinka generation but are now making a name for themselves through their own successes.
Paul has already celebrated one of his five titles on the ITF Pro Circuit at the venue of the Hamburg Tennis Association in Horn. In the 2021 final, he defeated German Henri Squire in straight sets. “I always enjoy coming here. I really like the facility, and the courts suit my style of play,” Paul said at the beginning of the tournament.
The native of Chur considers himself an all-rounder on the court.He practices at the Swiss Tennis National Federation in Biel but achieved his biggest wins in Monastir. Paul has won a total of three titles on the ITF World Tennis Tour in the Tunisian resort town over the past two years.
“Monastir is the ideal place to participate in professional tournaments affordably. The hotel offers all-inclusive meals. The location is great. There are many courts for training, and there are always enough players on site. Additionally, you don’t have travel fatigue and can spend several weeks in a row at one facility,” Paul explains, ruling out the risk of cabin fever at the same time.
Financial support for the sports soldier primarily comes from the Swiss Army. “Otherwise, I don’t have any sponsors. Although sports equipment manufacturers provide equipment at a discount, my main income comes from playing in leagues in Switzerland, France, and Germany.”
The goal for 2024 is clear: “I want to establish myself on the Challenger Tour this season,” Paul states. “It’s more comfortable for players competing in this tournament series. Advancing in the main draw here in Hamburg shows me that I can compete at this level. That’s certainly motivating.”
In Hamburg – on and off the court
Paul has already taken another step in the right direction this week. After successfully qualifying and a straight-set victory over his compatriot Remy Bertola, the World No. 247 finds himself in the second round of an ATP Challenger event for the first time since October 2022.
This also gives him the opportunity to spend some time off the court. “My girlfriend is with me this week, and we’ve already planned to explore the city a bit,” Paul revealed. And even though there isn’t a specific sightseeing list, the longer they stay in Hamburg due to victories on the court, the more they will be able to experience from the city.
