Taylor Fritz dethrones Tommy Paul as American No. 1 in time for Wimbledon, just a week after being replaced by compatriot

Taylor Fritz, presently competing at the 2024 Eastbourne International, is set to kick off his Wimbledon campaign as the American No. 1, bringing an end to Tommy Paul’s one-week-long reign. Paul took over from his compatriot after his success at the Queen’s Club Championships.

The battle for the men’s American No. 1 has intensified in recent months, with the top three players from the country, Fritz, Paul, and Ben Shelton, taking turns assuming the position. Fritz was first crowned the American No. 1 in April 2021. He extended his lead in the season that followed, adding three titles to his resume in 2022, including the Masters 1000 in Indian Wells. In 2023, he also cracked the world’s top 5.

Fritz’s reign has, however, been challenged lately. Ben Shelton, who reached his first Grand Slam semifinal at the US Open and won his maiden ATP title at the Japan Open at the tail end of 2023, ascended the throne just days after clinching his second tour title in Houston in April 2024. He enjoyed a career-high ranking of World No. 14.

Fritz surpassed the 21-year-old during the claycourt season, only to be replaced by Tommy Paul after his grasscourt triumph. Paul, who has a career-high ranking of World No. 12, lifted his third career trophy at the ATP 500 Queen’s Club Championships on Sunday, June 23.

Following his success, though, the American pulled out of the ongoing Eastbourne International, where he was the runner-up in 2023. This development provided Taylor Fritz with the opportunity to take back his crown. The 26-year-old currently has a 100-point lead, having made the semifinals of the tournament.

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"We both have big goals" - What Tommy Paul said about himself and Taylor Fritz after becoming the American No. 1

Taylor Fritz (L) and Tommy Paul pictured at the Mexican Open in 2023

Tommy Paul was delighted to have won his biggest career title yet at the Queen’s Club Championships. The 2023 Australian Open semifinalist was also “honored” to become the American No. 1.

He, however, said that he and Fritz were fighting to be more than just the leading Americans.

"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," Paul said according to the ATP.

Presently, Taylor Fritz, Tommy Paul, and Ben Shelton are placed at No. 12, 13, and 14 in the rankings, respectively. The trio may soon face a threat from Sebastian Korda, who cracked the top 20 just last week.

Fritz, meanwhile, would look to extend his lead as he chases his third title at the Eastbourne International before Wimbledon. After victories over Thiago Seyboth Wild and Shang Juncheng, he'll take on Aleksandar Vukic for a spot in the final.