American Dominance at Roland Garros: A Historic Milestone
Expectations were high for American tennis players at the 2025 French Open, following a standout clay season and recent successes in major tournaments. On Saturday, after Madison Keys, the 2025 Australian Open champion, defeated compatriot Sofia Kenin in a thrilling three-set match, eight American players had secured their place in the second week of Roland Garros.
This figure represents the largest number of Americans in the round of 16 in 40 years. With five women and three men still in competition, it also marks a historic milestone for the men: the last time so many reached this stage was in 1995, before the current tennis players were born.
“I think all the Americans are really excited,” commented Ben Shelton after advancing. “We always know that this is a tournament where we historically don’t do well, a surface where we historically struggle. It will mean a lot, you know, how much respect you would gain by doing well here.”
Ben Shelton
“The guys are hungry, man. They just believe in it. That’s all,” added Frances Tiafoe, who also achieved victory on Friday.
Frances Tiafoe
Since 2015, when Serena Williams won the women’s singles title, no American has achieved victory at the French Open. As for the men, the last one was Andre Agassi in 1999. Will these players be able to make history next weekend in Paris?
Analysis of American Tennis Players in Competition
Coco Gauff
Opponents defeated so far: Olivia Gadecki, Tereza Valentova, Marie Bouzkova
Next opponent: Ekaterina Alexandrova
Gauff, with great momentum leading up to the tournament, reached the finals in Madrid and Rome. In Paris, she has proven her worth in her three matches, including a crucial victory against Bouzkova. Gauff is looking to reach the semi-finals for the second consecutive year.Jessica Pegula
Opponents defeated so far: Anca Todoni, Ann Li, Marketa Vondrousova
Next opponent: Lois Boisson
After recovering from an injury, Pegula has shown excellent performance in Paris. She seeks to reach the quarterfinals for the second time in her career at the French Open.Madison Keys
Opponents defeated so far: Daria Saville, Katie Boulter, Sofia Kenin
Next opponent: Hailey Baptiste
Keys, after winning the Australian Open, has had a remarkable year, reaching the semifinals in Indian Wells and the quarterfinals in Madrid. At Roland Garros, she has reached the fourth round and will face Baptiste.
“I think Hailey is a great player… I’m not surprised. I’ve seen her grow up. I think she’s had incredible talent all along. So I’m really happy to see all the success she’s having, putting it all together and moving up in the rankings.”
Madison Keys
Hailey Baptiste
Opponents defeated so far: Beatriz Haddad Maia, Nao Hibino, Jessica Bouzas Maneiro
Next opponent: Madison Keys
Baptiste, with a notable performance, is having his best tournament in Paris. He will seek to overcome Keys in their next match.
Amanda Anisimova
Opponents defeated so far: Nina Stojanovic, Viktorija Golubic, Clara Tauson
Next opponent: Aryna Sabalenka
Anisimova, who had her best performance at Roland Garros in 2019, seeks to regain her form. She will face Sabalenka in a challenging match.
Tommy Paul
Defeated rivals so far: Elmer Moller, Marton Fucsovics, Karen Khachanov
Next opponent: Alexei Popyrin
Paul has had a tough road at Roland Garros, but he has managed to advance to the fourth round for the first time in his career.
Ben Shelton
Opponents defeated so far: Lorenzo Sonego, Hugo Gaston, Matteo Gigante
Next opponent: Carlos Alcaraz
Shelton will face the defending champion, Carlos Alcaraz, in a crucial match. Shelton will seek to surprise.“Playing against the defending champion, in the round of 16, I guess on center court, that’s a pretty cool opportunity, a pretty cool experience, that not many people get or see in their life.”
Ben Shelton
Frances Tiafoe
Defeated Rivals so far: Roman Safiullin, Pablo Carreno Busta, Sebastian Korda
Next opponent: Daniel Altmaier
Tiafoe, who is seeking his first Grand Slam quarterfinal outside of the United States since 2019, is seen as the favorite against Altmaier.
