Coco Gauff, Jessica Pegula, and Others’ Rise Stuns Taylor Fritz as He Sets Bold Expectations for Ben Shelton, Tommy Paul, and More

2025 has been a banner year for American WTA stars. Coco Gauff ignited the season with her role in the United Cup victory, setting the stage for a wave of success. Madison Keys followed by securing her first Grand Slam title at the Australian Open. Then, Jessica Pegula triumphed at the ATX Open in Austin, and Emma Navarro claimed the Merida Open shortly after. And let’s not forget their top 5 presence! In contrast, the American ATP pros are looking to catch up. Taylor Fritz has now shared his insights on what the ATP pros need to do to replicate this success.

During a press conference, dated March 5, ahead of the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, the World No.4 was asked questions on this situation. The interviewer highlighted the fact that currently there are 3 American women in the top 10, and overall 10 when it comes to top 50. Reflecting his thoughts, Fritz said, “I think the women have been doing an incredible job of that for a long, long time, and I think the guys kind of need to step it up a little bit.”

However, the American men’s rankings don’t mirror the women’s success. As of now, only Taylor Fritz, ranked No. 4, is in the top 5, and just eight American ATP players are within the top 50. Speaking on how the men can help boost tennis’ popularity in America, just like women, he revealed, “Honestly, I think it’s going to take one of us winning a slam to really get that spike of, you know, young fans on the men’s side of things.” This begs a question: when was the last time an American man won a Slam?

It was more than two decades ago in 2003, when Andy Roddick secured his first and only Grand Slam title at the US Open, defeating Juan Carlos Ferrero of Spain in straight sets, 6-3, 7-6, 6-3. In the same duration, however, many WTA tennis players and pros have earned the laurels in yearly majors, like Serena Williams: 9 slam titles, Venus Williams: 3 slam titles, Sloane Stephens: 2017 US Open champion, Sofia Kenin: 2020 Australian Open title, Coco Gauff: 2023 US Open title, etc. On the other hand, rising ATP talents like Ben Shelton and Fritz himself have tried their best and are yet to win a major trophy.

Take for example, Shelton. In 2023 US Open, he made it to his first Grand Slam semifinal at the Flushing Meadows but crashed out after losing to 24-time major king Novak Djokovic. This season, too, he entered the last four down under, but couldn’t get rid of World No.1 Jannik Sinner. Another name is Tommy Paul, who reached the Australian Open semis two years ago. But he failed to edge out Djokovic. Fritz’s story is no different. Last September, he was in his first major championship match at the US Open. But Sinner eventually outplayed him.

Furthermore, he added, “We have a great group. Like I said, the women have been carrying for a very, very long time.” But it’s not the first time Fritz has admired American WTA icons. Remember how he praised teammate Coco Gauff at the United Cup?

When Coco Gauff ‘carried’ Taylor Fritz and Team USA to victory at the United Cup

Back in late December, Taylor Fritz and Coco Gauff came together to form a mixed doubles team for the United Cup. Gauff was coming after her famous WTA Finals win against Qinwen Zheng in November. She continued her winning form in Australia as well. In their first encounter, the pair of Gauff and Fritz overcame Canada’s Leylah Fernandez and Felix Auger-Aliassime in Perth. Eventually, they helped Team USA to register a 2-1 victory.

Later, Fritz couldn’t stop admiring Gauff’s performance. According to him, it was her, who played far better and actually led the country to an easy win. In an Instagram clip shared by the United Cup’s official account, he said, “What’s up, guys? Just clinched the match for Team USA. Coco is carrying me and yeah we’re ready for the next round”

Later, in singles, Gauff ensured America’s title triumph in the final against Poland. In her singles match, she outperformed former World No.1 Iga Swiatek in straight sets. The 2023 US Open winner beat the five-time Slam queen 6-4, 6-4 to give a 1-0 lead to Team USA. Then Fritz also won his men’s singles tie against Hubert Hurkackz 6-4, 5-7, 7-6(4). But once again, he gave full credit to the 20-year-old.

“Coco made it easy for me as the MVP on the team; it definitely helped my job a lot and its great to get it a second time.” reported the United Cup’s website on January 5.

Meanwhile, Fritz will now look to deliver a solid performance in his next ATP challenge of 2025. After crashing out in the third round of Australian Open and failing at the Dallas Open, and Delray Beach Open, he will look to regain his form in Indian Wells. The World No.4 will kick-start his campaign on Saturday. In 2024’s edition, he couldn’t move past the third round. Holger Rune ousted him with a score line of 2-6, 7-6, 6-3. Do you think Fritz can shine this time at the Tennis Paradise? Let us know in the comments below.