When it seemed that Tomáš Macháč’s rise this year could not be better, the show in Shanghai came. The twenty-three-year-old Czech boldly wedged himself among the brightest stars of contemporary tennis at the prestigious tournament in the Chinese capital. Immediately, two famous rivals identified him as a player with a quality comparable to the five best tennis players in the world.
Tommy Paul turned to his coach after one of Macháč’s crushing winning balls.
“How is this guy not in the top five,” he asked in amazement.
The American is the world number 13 and one of the most technically refined players, yet he had to bow down to the Czech tennis player twice in eleven days.
Makhač, whom he had not met before on the circuit, is now hard to get out of his head. In Tokyo and shortly after in Shanghai, he lost to him despite leading 1:0 in sets.
After the second defeat, during the heartfelt congratulations at the net, he clearly demonstrated how much Čech’s tennis captivated him.
“Good luck, man. Win this tournament,” laughed Paul Macháče with surprising confidence, given that four-time Grand Slam winner and reigning champion of the previous tournament in Beijing, Carlos Alcaraz, was waiting for him in the quarterfinals.
As it turned out a day later, Paul knew very well what he was talking about.
One compliment after another flew through the air as the dejected Spanish superstar confided in a press conference after the surprise 6-7, 5-7 defeat.
“I felt like I was playing against one of the top five players in the world. I’m not talking about top ten quality, but really top five quality. His level was incredibly high. I felt good, but at some moments I just didn’t know what to do ,” said the second player in the world.
The world number one Jannik Sinner also joined in the praises, even though it was he who ended Macháč’s fairytale run in the semi-finals. Even in defeat, the Czech definitely impressed, but even Roger Federer himself applauded his tricks in the stands.
And Sinner, who later defeated Novak Djokovic in the finals, said: “I think we all saw how talented he is and how fast he can fire shots.”
No one had a higher average forehand speed throughout the tournament. Macháč finished at 133 kilometers per hour, American Taylor Fritz had 131, Djokovic 127 and Sinner 125.
After his very first Asian tour, Macháč is suddenly the 25th player in the world ranking.
“He’s been impressive before, but his recent performances have been on a whole other level. What’s certain is that no one will enjoy him as an opponent,” wrote Tennis.com expert Ed McGrogan.
Expectations around the Czech tennis player will grow even with how his self-confidence exploded at first glance.
Macháč is increasingly acting as a showman not only in the game itself, in which in China he increasingly included attractive jump shots in the style of Gael Monfils, but also thanks to various reactions.
In the semi-finals, he made the full stadium and Federer laugh with a quick remark, before describing his own performances as “unbelievable”.
His response to Alcaraz’s Instagram congratulation also went viral on social media.
“Thank you and sorry for my level of play,” he replied, which did not go unnoticed. “That’s quite a lot of bragging from Macháč,” well-known tennis journalist José Morgado tweeted amusedly.
Bohemia is currently loaded with a horse’s dose of self-confidence, which is a necessary component for further development.
Before the match with Alcaraz, he bluntly announced that he believed in victory, and acted accordingly on the court. He broke the star Spaniard in the most mentally demanding stages, when he did not succumb to the weight of the moment. He succeeded mainly thanks to courage and healthy audacity, attributes without which this would not have been possible.
Watch how Tomáš Macháč defeated Carlos Alcaraz in Shanghai:
Tomáš Macháč – Carlos Alcaraz, cut of the quarter-finals in Shanghai | Video: Associated Press
Tomáš Macháč: The Czech Sensation Taking Tennis by Storm
Hold on to your tennis rackets, folks, because the Czech Republic’s very own Tomáš Macháč has just served us all a slice of sporting brilliance that even the best of the best weren’t ready for. He waltzed into the Shanghai tournament and decided, “Why not take a swing at the big boys?” At just twenty-three, this guy is already eliciting gasps from the likes of Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner. He’s moving up the ranks like my mother on Christmas morning—fast, dramatic, and full of surprises!
Let’s take a moment to appreciate Tommy Paul, world number 13, and definitely no slouch on the court. After witnessing one of Macháč’s monstrous shots, he turned to his coach, jaw dropped, and exclaimed, “How is this guy not in the top five?” Good question, Tommy! It’s almost like asking why I spend as much time in the pub as I do at work—some things just don’t add up.
Two matches, two victories over Paul in a span of less than two weeks. So, what’s a guy to do? In true sportsmanship, Tommy chuckled and wished Macháč good luck against the reigning champion Alcaraz. Clearly, he’s not the type to gloat after a defeat. But really, imagine being trounced, and the guy who just demolished you then saunters off to take on a four-time Grand Slam champ. You know there’s some serious talent when defeat feels like a much-needed coffee break.
Alcaraz, after his shocking 6-7, 5-7 defeat, conceded that it genuinely felt like he was battling one of the top five players in the world. Well, pinch me hard, because it’s safe to say that Macháč has officially arrived, and he’s not quietly knocking on the door of prominence. He’s hammering it down with finesse, speed, and that charming swagger that makes tennis so much more than just baselining.
Oh, and did we mention the forehand? Macháč’s average speed was an eyebrow-lifting 133 kilometers per hour. That’s faster than my last relationship ended—so you know it’s serious. With such lightning speed, he’s not just keeping pace with stars like Djokovic and Sinner; he’s lapping them.
After this scintillating Asian tour, Macháč has skyrocketed to 25th in the world rankings. Just imagine the pressure! But you know him—self-confidence is not an issue. In fact, his playful demeanor was evident as he added some Gael Monfils-style jumpshots to his repertoire. I mean, if you can’t enjoy a good leap while smashing a tennis ball, are you even playing tennis?
His quick wit also had the crowd—and even Roger Federer—in stitches during his semi-finals appearance. After labeling his own performance as “unbelievable,” you’d think he was talking about a Netflix documentary! But this cheeky attitude brings flair to the court, and let’s face it, tennis could always use a bit more humor.
Macháč’s playful response to Alcaraz’s Instagram congratulation went viral when he cheekily replied, “Thank you and sorry for my level of play.” Oh, totally thought that was a humblebrag in disguise; I mean, who does he think he is—Ricky Gervais?
However, don’t let that playful demeanor fool you; this guy isn’t just here for the banter. Macháč backs up the bravado with sheer talent and determination, breaking Alcaraz in the clutch moments that would make most players crumble under pressure. If that’s not a remarkable trait, I don’t know what is.
So, ladies and gentlemen, keep your eyes on Tomáš Macháč. He might just turn out to be the surprise package tennis has been waiting for. After all, in a sport where tradition runs deep, nothing screams excitement like a young player throwing a spanner in the works and performing like he’s at a comedy club rather than on Centre Court!
Watch how Tomáš Macháč defeated Carlos Alcaraz in Shanghai:
Tomáš Macháč – Carlos Alcaraz: Cut of the quarter-finals in Shanghai | Video: Associated Press
