When Tommy Paul clinched the Queen's Club Championship in 2024, the celebration was supposed to be all about his triumph on the grass. But it was his then-girlfriend, now-wife, Paige Lorenze, who stole the spotlight for all the wrong reasons—or so the internet thought.
During the post-match photoshoot, a photo of Lorenze appearing to 'claw' at Paul's neck went viral, sparking a wave of criticism and memes. Fans were quick to judge, with one commenting, "I've never seen such an awkward photo opportunity after a tennis tournament win in my life," while another added, "That's aggressive. It's weird. Almost like she was the one who won the trophy, not Tommy Paul."
Now, Lorenze is setting the record straight. Appearing on the 'Not Skinny But Not Fat' podcast, she explained the chaos of the moment, saying, "The reporters are very intense and the paparazzi are like, 'Paige kiss him! You know, grab him, hold onto him!'" She admitted to feeling "very overstimulated" amid the flashing cameras and shouted instructions, which left her unsure how to pose.
For someone who runs a successful brand like Dairy Boy and has posed for countless photoshoots, the stumble was unexpected. But Lorenze's candid explanation has won over many skeptics. Fans have even found humor in the situation, with one joking, "100% should have done the neck brace 😂 love Paige," and another adding, "The neck brace would've been SO ICONIC."
This isn't the first time Lorenze has addressed the photo. Earlier, she took to social media with a playful defense: "Can't a girl just be supportive… of her man's neck." Her latest comments, however, offer a deeper look into the pressure athletes' partners face in the spotlight.
The viral moment also highlights the intense scrutiny that comes with being a WAG (wives and girlfriends) in professional sports. From NFL WAGs to tennis partners, these women often find themselves in the crosshairs of public opinion, whether they're celebrating a win or just enjoying a vacation.
As the tennis world gears up for the U.S. Open in Flushing Meadows, starting Monday on ESPN, fans are already wondering if Lorenze will be courtside again—and whether another iconic photo is on the horizon. Given her newfound perspective, she might just be ready for whatever the cameras throw at her.
For now, Lorenze is taking the criticism in stride, proving that even in the heat of the moment, a little grace—and a good sense of humor—goes a long way.
