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American tennis players Tommy Paul and Brandon Nakashima have signed up to compete at the Men's Clay Court Championship in Houston, the tournament announced. Paul, a 2023 Australian Open semifinalist, will be making his third main draw appearance on the clay courts of Houston this year.
Paul made his Houston debut in 2016, when he reached the round-of-16. In 2019, Paul attempted to make the Houston main draw through the qualifying event but fell short in his bid as he was beaten in his qualifying opener.
Last year, Paul made his second main draw appearance in Houston. After beating Peter Gojowczyk in the 2022 Houston first round, Paul was beaten by Nick Kyrgios in the round-of-16. Paul is a familiar face in Houston, while 21-year-old Nakashima is set to make his debut on the clay courts of Houston.
The tournament organizers excited to host Paul, Nakashima
Previously, the Houston event confirmed four other American players as participants in this year's event - Frances Tiafoe, John Isner, JJ Wolf and Reilly Opelka.
“We are very excited to have Tommy and Brandon further strengthen our field for this April’s US Men’s Clay Court Championship. We saw such a surge of American success at the Australian Open, and we’re thrilled to know these six US players, along with a past champion in Cristian, are coming to River Oaks in just over a month," Houston tournament director Bronwyn Greer said.
The Houston crowd will certainly be very excited about Paul's appearance at the tournament. In January, Paul made his first Grand Slam semifinal at the Australian Open. In the Australian Open semifinal, Paul didn't stand much of a chance against Novak Djokovic as he was beaten by the Serb in straight sets.
However, it was still a very positive run for Paul. It remains to be seen if Paul can win his first Houston title between April 03-09.