The US Open 2024 saw American ATP stars rise to the top. While only Taylor Fritz could solidify his position into the top 10, the likes of Frances Tiafoe, Tommy Paul, and Ben Shelton also utilized the home event to experience a rise in rankings. “I think we all push each other and make each other better,” Fritz said, boosting the confidence of his compatriots as the competition continued to intensify. But are things as neutral as they seem to be? Despite the feeling of friendship and patriotism, there is always competition in the back of the players’ minds. As the US Open runner-up revealed his new goals ahead of the Asian swing, a new line of rivalry was drawn.

Despite his friendships with the American players who secured their spots in the top 20, Taylor Fritz recently admitted that his competitiveness remains intact. On the latest release of the Tennis Major Podcast dated September 21, Fritz opened up about how unpredictable rankings can be. “It’s tough to say, because things can just change so fast,” he said, reflecting on how one good or bad week for a player can shake up the rankings.

Fritz highlighted Frances Tiafoe’s strong base for next year, that was shaped because of his wonderful run at the Cincinnati Open, where he reached the final, and the US Open where he reached the semi-final before losing to Fritz himself. “He has like a really good base over the next year to, like, contend,” the 26-year-old said.

Talking about his rivalry with Tommy Paul, Fritz said, “Tommy’s just been really, really consistently good… we’ve been super close in the race for the past two years, maybe even more.” Apart from these two major competitors, Fritz also found Ben Shelton unpredictable, describing how he “gets hot” and can win big titles quickly.

After his semifinal victory over Alexander Zverev and a five-set victory against Tiafoe at the US Open, Fritz reached a career-high ranking of No. 7. His run to the final, where he eventually lost to the young Italian champ Jannik Sinner, has solidified his competitive side as he keeps an eye on his compatriots and their potential to rise swiftly in the rankings.

Frances Tiafoe, who lost 4-6, 7-5, 4-6, 6-4, 6-1 to Fritz at the US Open semi-finals, also admitted that the defeat caused notable damage to his momentum. “It’s tough. It’s really, really tough. Really, really tough to swallow,” the American ATP star said. Further highlighting the feeling behind his defeat against his compatriot, Tiafoe added, “This one’s going to hurt really, really bad.” 

The rising levels of rivalry among the top ranked Americans might seem unhealthy but is creating a great show for the fans and the community. Amid the rivalry heating up though, the former pros just anticipate an American to break the code, be it anyone.

Andy Roddick weighs in on Taylor Fritz and Frances Tiafoe’s rise to the top

Andy Roddick was among those who kept a keen eye on Taylor Fritz’s title match against Jannik Sinner. There is a backstory to that. The former pro was the last American man to make a grand slam final in 2009 and therefore wished the curse to end, being all in to support the American contenders. “American in the final, I want it all to end,” Roddick said, highlighting the fact that it was an American that he wanted to see in the final, regardless of a specific name to root for.

“I get, I hate it, I get this anxious feeling every time they have to answer for it. I f***ing hate it for them. I want them to have it, I want them to clear. And frankly speaking, if one of them breaks this thing, they could all, they could start contending regularly,” he added, making his deepest urge to see an American ATP star be a grand slam champion clear.

While there might be an intense rivalry brewing up between Fritz and Tiafoe, the American tennis community is cheering both of them on. Do you have a favorite between the two though?