The US Open: A Tournament Full of Surprises for American Tennis Players
The American tennis season generated high expectations for the last Grand Slam of the year. With four American tennis players in the finals of the last four major tournaments and several men standing out in the summer, the US Open promised to be a historic event. However, the tournament has presented unexpected results.On the second day, Madison Keys, Australian Open champion and sixth seed, suffered a surprising defeat to Renata Zarazua. Ben Shelton, winner of the Canadian Open, withdrew due to a shoulder injury, while Frances Tiafoe, seeded number 17 and two-time semi-finalist, was defeated by Jan-Lennard Struff. In addition, Emma Navarro and Tommy Paul, seeded number 10 and 14 respectively, were also eliminated earlier than expected.
Despite these surprises, six American tennis players remain in the competition. Coco Gauff, last year’s singles champion, Jessica Pegula, and Taylor Fritz, finalists of the previous edition, have managed to advance to the second week of the tournament. Since Andy Roddick won the US Open in 2003, no American man has won a Grand Slam title. Will Fritz be able to break this drought? Or will one of the remaining five women continue the country’s success? Time will tell.American Hopes: Analysis of the Remaining Players
Coco Gauff
Opponent: Naomi Osaka Gauff has had an exciting tournament so far. After winning her second Grand Slam title at Roland Garros in June, Gauff had a challenging summer, including a first-round loss at Wimbledon and issues with her serve. Before the US Open, Gauff switched to one of her coaches, hiring Gavin MacMillan, an expert in biomechanics. Although she struggled in her early matches, she finally achieved a dominant victory over Magdalena Frech, demonstrating greater control and confidence.
Taylor Fritz
Opponents he has defeated: Emilio Nava, Lloyd Harris, Jerome KymNext opponent: Tomas Machac Fritz, a key figure in American tennis, seeks to break the Grand Slam title drought for American men. After being runner-up in 2024, Fritz has maintained a high level, reaching the final of the ATP Finals and reaching the top 5 in the rankings. At the US Open, Fritz has had to overcome challenges in his matches, but has managed to advance. Fritz will face Tomas Machac, whom he has defeated in their two previous encounters. If Fritz wins, he could face Novak Djokovic in the quarterfinals.Jessica Pegula
Opponents she has defeated: Mayar Sherif, Anna Blinkova, Victoria AzarenkaNext opponent: Ann Li Pegula, after reaching the first Grand Slam title of her career at last year’s US Open, seeks to replicate her success. Although she hasn’t had the same results in the other Grand Slams this year, she has shown great form in New York, overcoming her rivals and regaining her dominant game. Pegula will face Ann Li, whom she already defeated at Roland Garros this season.Ann Li
Opponents she has defeated: Rebecca Sramkova, Belinda Bencic, Priscilla HonNext opponent: Jessica Pegula Li, currently ranked number 58 in the world, has surprised by advancing to the second week of the US Open. After reaching the final in Cleveland, Li has shown a great performance, surpassing Bencic and Hon. Li hopes to reach a new record in the ranking and is excited to face Pegula.Amanda Anisimova
Opponents she has defeated: Kimberly Birrell, Maya Joint, Jaqueline CristianNext opponent: Beatriz Haddad Maia Anisimova has had an outstanding season, returning to tennis after a break. After winning the title at the Qatar Open and reaching the Wimbledon final, Anisimova has reached the top 10 in the rankings. At the US Open, she has reached the fourth round for the first time. Anisimova will face Haddad Maia, with the opportunity to reach the quarterfinals.
