Match Report
Paul saves 3 championship points to win first ATP Tour clay title in Houston
American outlasts Burruchaga in championship match
April 05, 2026
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Tommy Paul is the champion in Houston.
By ATP Staff
Tommy Paul was as close to defeat as possible Sunday in Houston, but refused to give in.
The American saved three championship points to outlast Argentine Roman Andres Burruchaga 6-1, 3-6, 7-5 in the Fayez Sarofim & Co. U.S. Men’s Clay Court Championship final to claim his fifth ATP Tour title and first on clay.
“Roman, it was an amazing week,” Paul said to Burruchaga during the trophy presentation. “Today’s level was seriously great, great level.
“You’re playing amazing tennis, and it is only going to get better.”
Paul ensured an American champion in Houston for the fifth consecutive edition thanks to his two-hour, 40-minute triumph. The home favourite followed Reilly Opelka (2022), Frances Tiafoe (2023), Ben Shelton (2024) and Jenson Brooksby (2025).
With the win, the 28-year-old Paul became the oldest Houston champion since a 32-year-old Juan Monaco in 2016.
Burruchaga was chasing his first tour-level title and was aiming to become the fourth first-time champion this season.
“Congratulations to Tommy, well deserved, it was a really great final,” Burruchaga said. “I am really proud of myself for the week that I did. I am going to try again, every week we have opportunities.”
