Tommy Paul vs Colton Smith Prediction & Picks - ATP Houston

Prediction published on 4/4/25, 12:31 PM  by Tyler Doty in Tennis Picks

We're down to the quarterfinals in this 2025 ATP Houston tournament. Tommy Paul and Colton Smith will face each other on the clay court at 1:00 PM ET. The 27-year-old Paul showed great fighting qualities in his last match against Cristian Garín. After a weak first set, he fought his way back and eventually won 2:6, 6:2, 7:6(5). Paul was also in strong form in Miami, even though he suffered a bitter defeat to Francisco Cerundolo in the round of 16. Despite a strong second set, he lost 6:2, 4:6, 6:7, having previously defeated the powerful Bublik in a thriller - 5:7, 7:5, 6:4. In Indian Wells, he lost to Daniil Medvedev (4:6, 0:6), but had proved his class in the previous match with a commanding 6:2, 6:3 against Norrie. Overall, Paul is currently showing a variable baseline game, combined with clever net attacks and mental maturity.

Colton Smith, on the other hand, is living his dream. The 22-year-old is really showing up in Houston. He has won five matches in a row - including smooth two-set victories against Ethan Quinn (6:4, 6:2) and James Duckworth (6:2, 6:2). Liam Draxl and Evan Zhu also had no chance against Smith's powerful forehand and uncompromising return game. The youngster plays courageously, moves explosively around the court and is not afraid of big names.

Smith also shone at the Challenger in Phoenix a few weeks ago, beating the experienced Roman Safiullin 7:6, 6:2 and eliminating Alexander Shevchenko, among others. He only lost to the seeded Nuno Borges in the round of 16 - albeit after a strong fight (4:6, 4:6). In Indian Wells, he surprised everyone with a three-set win against Flavio Cobolli, where he also demonstrated his fine feel for the game.