Paul Jubb (UTR 14.39) is one of tennis’ brightest young stars who is making a big impression on the college and world stage. The Hull, England native is kicking off his junior year at University of South Carolina with a bang, most recently claiming the ITA Carolina Region Singles Champion. Team UTR spoke with Paul in advance of his appearance in the Oracle ITA National Fall Championships to learn more about his decision to play in college, and what it takes to compete at the college level and beyond.
How did you start playing tennis?
I was four or five when I started. I started playing at a primary school with a local tennis coach, then started going to after school clubs, and just kept on going from there.
Why did you choose University of South Carolina?
I got recruited by Josh (ed. note - University of South Carolina Head Coach Josh Goffi) at the time I was doing a lot of work with coaches in England. One of the coaches I was working with knew Josh and some other college coaches, so he put me in contact with them all. Josh in SC was the most appealing. I was really looking for who I connected with the most in coaches, who I really felt was going to help me develop and look after me while I’m here and want the best for me. Josh ticked every box that I was looking for, so it was an easy decision in the end.
Jubb up at net in the March 2018 Carolina vs Georgia Match (Photo by Wes Wilson)
What has been your career highlight so far? College highlight?
College highlight so far would be winning the Regionals, getting into the NCAA’s and winning a round against a high level opponent. Outside of college, winning my first professional tournament this summer, which was a Futures, and winning the Junior National Championships back home.
"I love the sport of tennis because I love competing and showing what I am made of. It is just you out there battling, no one else to rely on other than yourself."
What type of adjustment has it been for you to play on the college level?
The environment is a lot different when you’re playing a dual match. You have so many more things going on around you, and it’s easy to let the occasion get to you and have certain things affect you that wouldn’t at an individual tournament since it’s just you and it’s easier to focus. That’s a big aspect of change.
What tournaments are you most looking forward to playing this year?
I’m going to the Charlottesville 75K Challenger this week, which will be my first experience in a Challenger. It will be good to see how good the level is and is a step up from the Futures Tour. And also the Oracle ITA National Fall Championships!
What are you looking forward to at the Oracle ITA National Fall Championships?
I am just really looking forward to being around the best players of college tennis again and being in that environment which is a really good opportunity to learn!
Who is your biggest school rival?
Clemson
"Don’t feel like you have to rush going into professional tennis. Don’t feel like college tennis is a step down from that. A lot of the top end of college is very high level, and even more high level than the futures tour."
You’ve have had a lot of success playing in juniors and futures. Why did you decide to compete at the college level?
It’s a really good stepping stone to go from here and then play professionally. Before I even came to college, I definitely wasn’t ready to go straight to playing pro. So this definitely is a really good stepping stone and progression to go play professionally after this. After my first year here, I was a totally different player, way better than when I first came here. I definitely think, for me anyway, that being in college is more beneficial than going straight pro.
How are you balancing playing college and futures?
In the summer when I’m not here, I play futures and whilst I’m here in the fall, Josh made sure that I have a few pro tourneys and a few of the big collegiate tourneys in my schedule in the fall so I can get that balance in. In the spring, I’ll obviously just play for South Carolina. Summer and Fall is where I can go out and play some professional tournaments and spring is for school.
Jubb captured the 2018 Fall ITA Regional Singles Title (Copyright Travis Bell/SIDELINE CAROLINA)
What tips would you give to a player going out for college tennis? Or deciding between college and pro?
Don’t feel like you have to rush going into professional tennis. Don’t feel like college tennis is a step down from that. A lot of the top end of college is very high level, and even more high level than the futures tour. People feel like going pro versus going college is a step up, whereas you can learn so many more things to help you do better professionally. And also analyze where you are in your career, because it’s so easy to get lost and lose development just going straight professionally. That’s really important.
What’s a day in the life of a South Carolina tennis player like?
I have one or two classes in the morning, and then training after lunch until just before dinner. THen I go to dinner and I study and do more school stuff after - then that’s a whole day taken up! Or, if I have one class in the morning, I have an individual tennis session before lunch. Also, some days after lunch we have gym, and then play tennis after.
Why do you love the game?
I love the sport of tennis because I love competing and showing what I am made of. It is just you out there battling, no one else to rely on other than yourself.
Paul's Lightning Round
Killer shot? Forehand
Singles or doubles? Singles
Forehand or backhand? Forehand
Favorite tennis player? Rafael Nadal
Favorite tournament? Wimbledon
Clay, hard or grass? Clay
Favorite SC swag? Our garnet and garnet tennis kit
Best nutrition advice? Get a great balance between proteins, carbohydrates and your greens!
Best training advice? Train hard, train efficiently, train smart
Favorite Class? Accounting
Major? Retail Management
Tennis Mantra? To do the people who support me proud, and a lot of self-determination to be the best I can and make tennis my living
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