As the Washington Open approaches the latter stages, plenty of home favourites remain in the tournament.
In the men’s draw, US number one Taylor Fritz, Brandon Nakashima, Frances Tiafoe and Ben Shelton have all advanced to the quarter-finals.
While in the women’s event, following Venus Williams’ second-round defeat, only Taylor Townsend is left and is set to face former US Open finalist Leylah Fernandez in the last eight.
American tennis is thriving at the moment, with several stars from the country making up top 15 spots in both the ATP and WTA rankings.
Ahead of his clash in D.C. with compatriot Shelton, Tiafoe gave a glowing assessment of how US players are currently faring in the sport.
Photo by Tom Brenner For The Washington Post via Getty ImagesFrances Tiafoe’s assessment of where American tennis is at right now
Speaking to the media after the match, Tiafoe said: “I think the guys I grew up with are super solid, man. Then, you know, with the likes of Ben as well, much younger. It’s an incredible group.
“We have young guys playing well. Learner, Michelsen, really good. Is really good. Tracy Austin’s son, we got a lot of good guys. Kova, who I just played. Beating guys out here.
“American tennis is in a great spot. And we have been knocking on the door for a while. I don’t think this is something new. Ben’s going deep in slams. Fritz going deep in slams. Tommy’s going deep in slams.
“Not really surprising. Now you look at the slams, someone is going to be there at least pushing quarters, semi-finals. Fritz was the one final. So it’s been good.
Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images
“Shoutout to the women. Goddamn, bro. Serious. Four slam finals in a row. Crazy. So, I mean, that’s something we are trying to push and catch up to them.
“They have been doing a spectacular job. All those individuals have been able to be on the second Saturday. It’s a huge, huge deal. Monumental moment. Whether they held the trophy or not, something to tell the grandkids.”
Deep runs from Americans at Grand Slam events in the last year
In the last 12 months, five Grand Slam finals have featured an American across both tours
At the US Open in 2024, there was a home hope in each of the singles championship matches, with Fritz facing Jannik Sinner, and Jessica Pegula going up against Aryna Sabalenka.
TournamentGrand Slam Finalists2024 US OpenTaylor Fritz, Jessica Pegula2025 Australian OpenMadison Keys2025 Roland GarrosCoco Gauff2025 WimbledonAmanda AnisimovaGrand Slam finalists from USA in the last four major events
This season, Madison Keys and Coco Gauff clinched the first two majors of 2025, and Amanda Anisimova reached the Wimbledon final.
Heading into Flushing Meadows, the women will look to make it four out of four in 2025, which hasn’t been done since 2002.