Taylor Fritz and Tommy Paul brought home Olympic bronze, but for the American number one, the game is far from over. While it’s not just Paul, there have been other instances when Fritz has risen to the top, again and again, becoming the American number one. But now, once again, the tables are turned as Tommy Paul has taken Fritz over like a round of ping pong game.

The battle for the men’s American No. 1 ranking has heated up in recent months, with Taylor Fritz, Tommy Paul, and Ben Shelton each vying for the top spot. These three players have been trading the title, reflecting the growing competition among them. Fritz started his ascent in the rankings in April 2021, when he first earned the American No. 1 spot.

Since then, Paul and Shelton have also advanced significantly, resulting in a thrilling and continuous competition for the top slot in American tennis. Recently, as the Canadian Open is going on, Paul’s defeat in the second round and Fritz’s advance into the tournament has helped him to take over the position once again.

A Twitter user took to share the situation, originally posted just 2 days ago, and wrote, “Hilariously, it happens again — for the third time this year! Paul overtook Fritz as 🇺🇲 No. 1 after the Olympics but Fritz will retake his spot after Canada. What are the chances?” 

Fritz’s dominance as the top-ranked American has encountered major obstacles lately. Ben Shelton temporarily held the top rank in late 2023 after making it to his first Grand Slam semifinal at the US Open and winning his first ATP victory at the Japan Open. Shelton’s rise occurred only a few days after he became victorious in Houston in April 2024, his second tour title.

But during the clay-court season, Fritz took the lead again, only to lose it to Tommy Paul. The intense rivalry between American players continued when Paul, who peaked at World No. 12, won his third career championship at the ATP 500 Queen’s Club Championships in June.

However, Tommy Paul has an optimistic outlook on himself and Taylor Fritz after winning the American No. 1 in the chaos.

Tommy Paul reflects on his and Fritz’s ‘honor’ to take the American No. 1 spot

Tommy Paul, the 2023 Australian Open semifinalist, expressed his gratitude for rising to the top of the American rankings. But he also made it clear that he and Taylor Fritz had goals beyond simply becoming the best Americans.

Sharing a broader perspective, Paul stated, “It’s an honor to become the No. 1 American, but we both have big goals and we want to be in the Top 10 [of the] rankings. That’s where both of us want to be.” Currently, Paul, Fritz, and Ben Shelton are ranked No. 12, 13, and 14, respectively. Sebastian Korda, who recently entered the top 20 and is currently ranked 18th, could soon challenge the trio’s places.

Nevertheless, what are your thoughts on the amazing run to the American number one run? Do let us know in the comment section below.