Issue link: http://itf.uberflip.com/i/560492
roland garros J UN I O R SL A M SP O T L I GH T J U N I O R SL A M SP O T L I G H T J UN I O R SL A M S P O T L I GH T JUNIOR GRAND SLAMS 20 ITFWORLD SUMMER 2015 A mericans are not known for delighting in holding play dates on European red clay, as the prevailing opinion is that the surface is most usually less-than-friendly to those who hail from the USA. Taking that into account, it was quite stunning that the Roland Garros boys' event would finish with the first-ever final between two American boys. In the end, it was 13th seed Tommy Paul who would reign on the terre battue, besting second seed Taylor Fritz 76 26 62, in the only three-set match either player contested throughout the week. "It feels great to be French Open champion, especially when you play an American in the finals," said Paul, a New Jersey-born, North Carolina-reared teen, who trains with the USTA at Boca Raton, Florida. "It was amazing." The 18-year-old Paul also reached the boys' doubles championship match as one half of the all-American fourth-seeded team with William Blumberg, falling 64 62 to Spaniards Alvaro Lopez San Martin and Jaume Munar. It's worth noting that Paul is a different kind of guy than most of the Americans. He favours playing on the clay, and while his experience has mostly been on the USA version, coloured green, he's got the slip-slide needed to excel on the surface. "I would think this is my best surface, yeah," said Paul, after becoming the Roland Garros champion. In an exhibition of great sportsmanship, Paul was all-inclusive in celebrating his victory as a win for himself, Fritz and American tennis. The two smiling friends cloaked themselves in the US flag while posing for photos with their trophies. Prior to arriving in Paris, Paul displayed his penchant for the red clay on the ITF Pro Circuit. He won two Futures events in Europe, and reached another Futures semifinal in Spain. "I would say this is the best streak I've had," Paul said. "And why? I don't know. I have always liked clay my whole life, so coming out here on the red clay, it's great. I like it a lot for my game." Between Roland Garros and Wimbledon, Paul elected to turn pro instead of playing collegiate tennis. Nevertheless, he arrived in London for junior Wimbledon, posting quarterfinal showings in singles and doubles on the grass. By Sandra Harwitt. PAUL REIGNS ON CLAY