The US Open [1] is in full swing, and while most of us are glued to our screens cheering from the couch, Tommy Paul [2] is living it — on the court, in the gym, and with his new fiancée, Paige Lorenze [3]. (Lorenze is the founder of Dairy Boy [4] and a Connecticut-based influencer who just happens to show up to Paul's big matches in impeccable tenniscore fashion [5].) Even though Paul was sidelined with an injury during some of the lead-up tournaments this year, he hasn't let it slow him down. "I didn't get to play too much this year, which was unfortunate, but it made me even more excited about the actual US Open," he tells Popsugar.
Paul's schedule during tournament season is intense but carefully structured. Between on-court drills, gym sessions [6], and travel [7], recovery is key to staying in peak form. He leans on Dymatize Protein Shakes [8] to refuel, and his favorite is the Fruity Pebbles flavor, which features 30 grams of protein. "Having the right recovery routine in between matches is something that's so important to me," he says. When he does indulge, Paul admits he has a serious sweet tooth. "I go through phases where I'm strict, but sometimes I cave . . . I like Swedish Fish the most," he says (hence the Fruity Pebbles flavor).
Off the court, Paul uses his free time to train with his trainer, Franco Herrero, and enjoy whatever time he has with his friends and new fiancée. After all, he proposed while still recovering from an injury. "I actually took off the boot for the proposal, but somehow she still didn't know it was coming," he laughs. Between early mornings on the court and late-night recovery rituals, Paul's days are a masterclass in dedication, focus, and a little bit of fun along the way. And, lucky for us, he's ready to spill the must-have items that keep him prepared, energized, and traveling like a pro.
Tommy Paul's Affordable Must Have
"You can grab them pretty much anywhere, and they're unreal for warming up before practices or matches," Paul says of the Fit Simplify Resistance Loop Exercise Bands [9] ($10). He uses them for mobility before lifting — sometimes up to 30 minutes. "Honestly, it can be harder than the actual lift itself," he laughs. And the bonus? They're easy to pack.
Tommy Paul's Investment Must Have
Paul admits he's "a bit of a watch guy." He even wears one while playing. "I got into it because of my coach — he's a real watch nerd — and now I know a little too much about them," he says. His current favorite, the De Bethune DB28 XS Starry Seas Watch [10], has a blue band, though he swaps in red, white, and blue for the Open. "They somehow made it so it absorbs shock. I forget I even have it on." The watch is only available in-store, and retails up to $100,000. For this purpose, we didn't link it, but we sure do like to look at it.
Tommy Paul's Morning Must Have
Recovery is everything for Paul, and the Dymatize Performance Protein Shake in Fruity Pebbles [11] ($37, originally $39) plays a huge role. "It's something I lean on and trust every single day," he says. He likes the Fruity Pebbles flavor — especially since he admits he has a sweet tooth. "I try my best to stay away from candy," he says, but notes that he sometimes caves for Swedish Fish.
Tommy Paul's Nighttime Must Have
Sleep isn't something Paul takes lightly. "If I don't have the right pillow, my neck will be in kinks, and it's no good," he says. He isn't picky about what's inside — down or foam works — but the height has to be just right. "I hate feeling like I'm lying down like this," he says, tilting his head upward. The Brooklinen Down Alternative Pillow [12] ($69) allows you to pick how supportive you want it to be, and for Paul, we're thinking it'd be on the firmer side.
Tommy Paul's Travel Must Have
No matter where he's headed, Paul always packs his running shoes, and he loves the New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v14 [13] ($165). "They can do anything — I can lift in them, I can run in them," he says. "Even if I'm going on a day trip somewhere, I'll hit the gym at some point, so having something like that is pretty important for me."
Haley Lyndes [14] is a shopping writer and editor with more than seven years of experience in the publishing space. Specializing in home and lifestyle, she covers everything from furniture and mattresses to beauty products and fitness gear. Her writing has appeared in BuzzFeed, Travel + Leisure, and Real Simple.