As the 2025 US Open looms on the horizon, Coco Gauff, the dynamic 21-year-old tennis star, has thrown down the gauntlet to her male compatriots, Taylor Fritz and Ben Shelton, with a cheeky yet pointed challenge. Fresh off a stellar season that saw her claim her second Grand Slam title at the 2025 French Open, Gauff used a press conference at the Cincinnati Open to highlight the dominance of American women in tennis and urge the men to step up their game. “I feel like, for the men and women, it hasn’t been much of a competition, no offence to them,” Gauff quipped with a smile. “Was it three or four straight slams with an American in the final? So, we’re doing pretty good on our end, they need to catch up.”
Gauff’s playful jab underscores a remarkable year for American women’s tennis. Since her breakthrough victory at the 2023 US Open, Gauff has been a cornerstone of this resurgence, leading the charge alongside players like Madison Keys, Jessica Pegula, and Amanda Anisimova. The women have been a force, with an American woman reaching the final of the last four major singles tournaments. Keys secured her maiden Grand Slam title at the 2025 Australian Open, defeating Aryna Sabalenka in a thrilling final, while Pegula and Anisimova reached the finals of the 2024 US Open and 2025 Wimbledon, respectively. This consistent excellence has placed five American women in the WTA top 10 at one point this year, a feat Gauff proudly highlighted. “We’re doing pretty good on our end,” she reiterated, her confidence infectious.
In contrast, the American men, while talented, have yet to match this level of success. Taylor Fritz, currently ranked World No. 4, made history as the first American man to reach a Grand Slam final since Andy Roddick in 2009, but he fell to Jannik Sinner in the 2024 US Open final. Ben Shelton, the electrifying 22-year-old known for his booming lefty serve, reached the semifinals at the 2023 US Open and the 2025 Australian Open but has yet to claim a major title. Despite their impressive runs, Gauff’s teasing remark at the Cincinnati Open—where Shelton celebrated his first Masters 1000 title at the 2025 Canadian Open—puts the pressure on. “They need to catch up,” she said, her words a mix of friendly banter and a rallying cry for her peers.
The camaraderie among Gauff, Fritz, and Shelton is evident, both on and off the court. The trio has shared memorable moments, from playing mixed doubles together at the 2024 Paris Olympics to light-hearted antics like Gauff high-fiving herself after Shelton missed her hand during a 2024 US Open exhibition match. “My b, I didn’t see her,” Shelton later joked on social media, showcasing their close bond. Their friendship, rooted in shared Atlanta connections and mutual respect, adds a layer of warmth to Gauff’s challenge. She’s not just calling out Fritz and Shelton; she’s rooting for them to elevate American tennis as a whole.
As the 2025 US Open approaches, the spotlight is on these young stars to deliver in New York. Gauff, seeded No. 3, is a leading favorite, her blazing speed and mental toughness making her a formidable contender. Her 18-2 record since parting ways with coach Brad Gilbert after the 2024 US Open reflects a refined game under new coach Matt Daly, particularly in her forehand and serve. Fritz, seeded No. 4, and Shelton, seeded No. 13, face tougher paths in a men’s field dominated by Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz, and Novak Djokovic. Yet, their odds—Fritz and Shelton at 25-1, according to recent betting markets—position them as dark horses with the potential to break through.
Gauff’s challenge is more than just banter; it’s a reflection of the high expectations surrounding American tennis. The women have set a formidable standard, and the men are eager to respond. Fritz, who led the US to a United Cup title alongside Gauff earlier this year, acknowledged her impact: “Coco made it easy for me as the MVP on the team; it definitely helped my job a lot.” Shelton, meanwhile, praised Gauff’s unique qualities: “She’s charismatic. Such a great athlete. Has so many qualities out there that resemble a male player. The way she moves and the way she can defend.” As the US Open kicks off, all eyes will be on whether Fritz and Shelton can answer Gauff’s call and join her in rewriting the narrative of American tennis on the sport’s biggest stage.
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