American ATP Stars’ Grand Slam Dream Possibly Derailed After Nightmarish Australian Open Draw

Young Americans have been holding significant positions in the tennis charts lately. As the 2023 season came to an end, names like Ben Shelton, Taylor Fritz, and Frances Tiafoe had great achievements in their portfolio already. Now that fan expectations are at their highest, it seems like this season is going to begin with a set of challenges.

The Australian Open 2024 draws have been released and the fans have an outlook on their favorite players’ schedules. While many expect a slam win for an American player, the draw appears to have made it difficult.

Australian Open draw puts Americans Ben Shelton, Taylor Fritz in tough spots

The stage is set and finally, the players have information about their schedule as the Australian Open draws are out. While the young American players were highly expected to have a shot at the grand slam this time, it seems like they will have to kick harder. Ben Shelton left fans in awe when he made it to the quarterfinals of the Australian Open and semifinals of the U.S. Open last year. Can he repeat the magic again?

Then there is Taylor Fritz, who currently holds the top spot in the ATP rankings. He is forecasted to face Novak Djokovic in the quarter-finals. However, Stefanos Tsitsipas could overtake him with a better performance, the space still needs to be determined.

On the other hand, Ben Shelton could also fall on the road against the Serbinator at the Round of 16 phase. However, since the spot is still contested between Adrian Mannarino, Stan Wawrinka, and Shelton, it is surely going to be a big challenge for whosoever comes up on the other side.

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A challenging path for Frances Tiafoe

Besides Ben Shelton and Fritz, another American tennis star who is forecasted to move ahead this season is Frances Tiafoe. While the 25-year-old gave an amazing performance in 2023, he ended the season with 17th rank on the charts.

Looking forward to his fate at the upcoming grand slam event, the tennis star can fall in the way of Jannik Sinner, who is another contender for the title this year. Although Sinner is younger than Shelton, his recent form still gives the Italian a heads-up. Now that the players know who they could be facing, the outcomes still remain to be witnessed.

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