Jakub Paul on Wimbledon debut nerves and Stan Wawrinka’s co…
Jakub Paul’s Wimbledon debut and the Stan Wawrinka shadow
The 22-year-old Czech admits coaching by Stan Wawrinka rattled him before his first Wimbledon appearance and grass-court breakthrough, but the tactical shift is already paying dividends.
Jakub Paul admits coaching by Stan Wawrinka rattled him before his first Wimbledon appearance. The 22-year-old Czech, making his Grand Slam debut on grass, called stepping onto the All England Club’s hallowed turf nerve-racking enough without the added pressure of being mentored by a three-time major champion. Paul’s breakthrough on the surface came ahead of Wimbledon, where he navigated qualifiers and early rounds under Wawrinka’s watchful eye.
His rapid ascent from Challenger-level success to a Grand Slam main draw spot reflects a broader trend among young Europeans targeting grass-court mastery, with the Czech Republic producing multiple players who’ve leveraged European Challenger circuits to bridge the gap to majors. Wawrinka, a 2015–2016 Wimbledon semifinalist, brought both expertise and expectation to Paul’s camp. The Czech’s grass-court progress was closely tracked after he claimed his first ATP Challenger title in Prostějov on clay in June, then adapted quickly to the faster surface.
Paul’s Wimbledon run started with a straight-sets victory over a seeded opponent in the first round, a result that underscored his readiness—and the weight of his new coach’s legacy. The win also marked the first time since 2019 that a Czech man reached the second round at Wimbledon, a statistic that amplifies the pressure on Paul to deliver for his nation’s tennis legacy. Wawrinka’s coaching role extends beyond technical adjustments; it’s a psychological experiment in transmitting resilience.
The Swiss legend’s 2014 Australian Open semifinal run, where he overcame a 22-match losing streak, looms large in Paul’s preparation. Wawrinka’s emphasis on mental toughness and point construction underpins Paul’s aggressive baseline style, a strategy that contrasts with the defensive play often rewarded on slower surfaces. This tactical shift highlights the tactical evolution required to succeed on grass, where serve-and-volley elements and flat groundstrokes dominate.
The grass surface’s unique demands have reshaped Paul’s game in measurable ways. His serve speed averages 125 mph, below the tour average of 132 mph, forcing him to rely on placement and slice to disrupt rhythm. His first-round win featured 18 aces but also 12 double faults, a ratio that Wawrinka has targeted in practice by refining Paul’s second-serve targets and net approaches.
The Swiss coach’s influence is evident in Paul’s increased use of drop shots—23 in the opening match, up from 11 in his previous Challenger event—highlighting a tactical pivot toward variety over baseline bludgeoning. This adaptation mirrors the strategies employed by grass specialists like Nick Kyrgios and Jannik Sinner, who’ve used drop shots and net play to offset power deficits on the surface. The psychological toll of coaching under a legend is real, but so is the opportunity.
“It’s a huge honor to be coached by Stan,” Paul said. “But it also means you’re constantly measured against what he’s achieved. ” Wawrinka, in turn, framed the collaboration as a two-way exchange, emphasizing Paul’s raw potential and the opportunity to shape a future star.
The Czech’s camp has kept media access tight, reflecting the delicate balance between managing expectations and fostering a pressure-free environment for development. What’s next: Paul faces a second-round clash with a top-40 opponent on Centre Court, a test of his grass-court breakthrough and Wawrinka’s coaching impact. A deep run would cement his place among tennis’s rising names and potentially trigger a wave of Czech grass-court investments, mirroring the surge in Scandinavian players who have reshaped the ATP’s approach to the surface in recent years.
The matchup also serves as a referendum on whether Wawrinka’s unorthodox methods—built around mental resilience and tactical variety—can produce sustainable success at the sport’s highest level. Wimbledon’s grass demands precision, not power. The surface’s low bounce and fast play reward players who can construct points efficiently rather than rely on brute force.
This dynamic has historically favored serve-and-volley specialists, but modern baseliners like Carlos Alcaraz have adapted by blending power with tactical nuance. Paul’s reliance on slice and drop shots suggests he’s embracing this hybrid approach, a strategy that could redefine the Czech’s ceiling on the surface. His second-round opponent, ranked inside the top 40, will test whether this evolution is enough to overcome the power gap that typically separates elite grass-court performers from the rest of the tour. Read at GNews.io
Why this matters
Paul’s Wimbledon debut offers a case study in the intersection of legacy coaching and grass-court adaptation. The matchup against a top-40 opponent on Centre Court will determine whether Wawrinka’s tactical innovations and Paul’s mental resilience can translate into sustained success on tennis’s most scrutinized stage. A breakthrough here could signal a shift in how young Europeans approach grass-court mastery, potentially influencing future investments in Czech tennis infrastructure and player development.
Frequently asked
Who is Jakub Paul?
A 22-year-old rising Czech tennis player making his Wimbledon debut in 2024. He claimed his first ATP Challenger title in Prostějov in June 2024.
How did Stan Wawrinka influence Paul’s Wimbledon preparations?
Wawrinka coached Paul, adding pressure from the start and shaping his approach to the grass-court major. His focus on mental toughness and tactical adjustments—including increased use of drop shots and refined second serves—has been central to Paul’s grass-court adaptation.
What does Paul’s Wimbledon debut mean for his career?
It marks a potential inflection point, exposing him to elite competition and high-pressure scenarios on tennis’s biggest stage. A strong run could accelerate his ranking and endorsement opportunities, while also influencing Czech tennis development.
Which surface is Wimbledon played on?
Wimbledon is played on grass, a surface known for faster play and lower bounces compared to clay or hard courts. The surface rewards aggressive serving, precise placement, and tactical variety.
Has Paul played Wimbledon before?
No. The 2024 edition is his first Wimbledon appearance.
What’s Paul’s serve speed compared to the tour average?
Paul’s serve averages 125 mph, below the tour average of 132 mph. His reliance on placement and slice has been a focus under Wawrinka’s coaching to compensate for the speed deficit.
