Every week is Fan Week for Eddie, the youngster whose hardcore support of hero Tommy Paul made him famous during last year's US Open. The super fan from Brooklyn became a staple at Paul's matches last summer as the American reached the New York fourth round for the first time.
On Thursday, Eddie was back at the USTA Billie Jean King Tennis Center to catch up with the 14th seed before his morning practice session with Holger Rune.
The pair reconnected as Paul walked out into Arthur Ashe Stadium and picked up right where they left off.
"I knew he'd be one of the first people I'd see," Paul said before greeting Eddie with a courtside dap.
"That was the cleanest connection ever, too," he said of the handshake. "It was meant to be."
Paul first noticed Eddie during his comeback win against Roman Safiullin last year in the US Open second round—his first successful comeback from two-sets-to-love down. After the match, Paul gifted him a shirt.
"He was the only one out there who was like, 'I'm here all night, I'm here all night!' " Paul said last year. "He wanted to be in my ear the whole match. It was actually really fun every time I went over there. He was encouraging me, I mean, damn near coaching me. I had to go over there and give him some love."
Eddie might also have some shoes coming his way soon, after Paul offered to look for a size five-and-half to match his own sneakers.
Thursday's draw revealed Lorenzo Sonego as Paul's first round opponent. The Italian will have to deal not only with Paul—who won an Olympic bronze medal in doubles with Taylor Fritz in Paris—but also Eddie, who will once again do his best to will the American deep into the New York draw.
Paul reached the singles quarterfinals at both Wimbledon and the Olympics and will now bid to reach that stage for the first time at the US Open.
