America’s Davis Cup Hopes in Jeopardy Owing to Ben Shelton, Taylor Fritz and Tommy Paul’s Baffling Priorities

In the sporting world, players go all out to represent their countries on big stages. With only a few spots available, thousands of sporting stars vie for the coveted place and make it big on the international stage. However, in the latest announcement by the American Davis Cup team, a shocking update emerged with the likes of Ben Shelton, Taylor Fritz, and Tommy Paul being involved. Team USA will feature in the Davis Cup Finals group stage to be played from September 10-15. However, the trio are missing from the American squad for that phase of the tournament.

Ahead of the Davis Cup, these stars will be seen in action at the US Open, which ends on 8th September. Later that month, the Laver Cup is scheduled to take place in Berlin. Shelton, Fritz, and Paul have opted to play in the Laver Cup instead of the Davis Cup Finals group stage, significantly reducing the squad’s strength and putting their country’s hopes in limbo at the Davis Cup.

In the absence of the trio, Sebastian Korda will lead his country’s charge at the event. Accompanying him will be the likes of Marcos Giron and Brandon Nakashima, who will take charge of the singles duties. Despite a relatively weak American squad in singles, their doubles squad looks dangerous, with Rajeev Ram and Austin Krajicek present in the squad. The duo will also be seen in action together at the Paris Olympics, coming up in less than two weeks.

Meanwhile, the likes of Shelton, Fritz, and Paul will lead Team World’s hopes in the Laver Cup. Along with them, Alex de Minaur will also join the team, and two roster positions remain to be announced. This will be Shelton’s second appearance at the Laver Cup, having first participated last year. He is more excited than ever to help his team defend the title!

Ben Shelton ‘can’t wait’ for the 2024 Lave Cup

In the previous edition, Team World defeated Team Europe to lift the Laver Cup title. Shelton played a crucial role in that victory as he won all three matches he played. The American sensation won a singles match and two doubles matches, partnering with Frances Tiafoe and Felix Auger-Aliassime. Riding high on that victory, Shelton is excited to be back this year.

After confirming his participation at the Laver Cup, he said, “I’m thrilled to be back on Team World. Playing Laver Cup was one of my highlights last year, and I can’t wait to team up with the guys in Berlin and defend the Cup.”

Additionally, Team World captain, John McEnroe is also thrilled to have Shelton in his team. The American sensation knows the importance of the young gun and believes that he will play an important role this year too. McEnroe revealed, “He brings an incredible energy to the team and is a threat in both singles and doubles with a massive serve and fierce will to win.”

However, the American Davis Cup team will miss Shelton dearly in the group stage. Shelton might still participate in the latter stages of the Davis Cup if the team qualifies for the knockout stage.