Taylor Fritz makes a statement as 4 American men make World's top 15 for the first time since 1997 ft. Ben Shelton

Taylor Fritz has acknowledged the recent rise of American men in tennis, including Ben Shelton.

On Sunday, October 22, Shelton won his maiden ATP title at the 2023 Japan Open in Tokyo. By doing so, the 21-year-old broke into the world’s top 15 for the first time in his young career, making it a significant win for American tennis.

As it stands, four American men now feature in the top 15 - Taylor Fritz, Tommy Paul, Frances Tiafoe, and Ben Shelton.

It is worth noting that this is the first time since 1997 that four men from the country have achieved the feat. Previously, Pete Sampras, Michael Chang, Andre Agassi, and Todd Martin made the cut in March 1997.

Ecstatic about the boom, Fritz, who leads the charge, took to social media to announce American tennis’ arrival to the big time.

“We out here,” he wrote.

Fritz, who has lifted two titles so far this season, in Delray Beach and Atlanta, and earned a career-high ranking of World No. 5 earlier this year, is currently ninth in the world rankings.

Tommy Paul is the second-highest-ranked American player on the ATP chart and stands at a career-high ranking of World No. 12. Paul has been consistent throughout the season. He was the semifinalist at the 2023 Australian Open and also made two finals – in Acapulco and Eastbourne.

Placed in the third spot in Frances Tiafoe. With a career-high of World No. 10 and a current ranking of World No. 14, Tiafoe has clinched two titles so far in 2023 – in Huston and Stuttgart. He additionally reached the quarterfinals of the 2023 US Open.

Ben Shelton, meanwhile, is placed just behind Tiafoe in the 15th spot.

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"Taylor Fritz, Frances Tiafoe, Christopher Eubanks have taken me under their wing" – American Ben Shelton

Taylor Fritz and Ben Shelton at the 2023 Laver Cup

Ben Shelton’s rise on the ATP circuit has been nothing short of a fairytale. The 21-year-old has been quick on the uptake after turning pro just last year, in August. In addition to winning his maiden title at the ATP 500 Japan Open in Tokyo, Shelton also made a significant showing at the Australian Open and the US Open, reaching the quarterfinals and the semifinals, respectively.

Being a novice on the tour this season, Shelton credited compatriots Taylor Fritz, Frances Tiafoe, and Christopher Eubanks for giving him a leg up.

“The three guys who are probably on me and there most during the match were Chris Eubanks, Frances, and Taylor Fritz, guys who have taken me under their wing since I have been out on tour, giving me advice when I have played players that they have played before,” he revealed during a presser at the 2023 Laver Cup.

“So to be able to have them in my corner during the match, you know, top American guys, guys who have had great results this summer, beaten a lot of top players, to be able to kind of see how their minds work during the match, something that I haven't been able to see before, was really cool and special for me,” he added.

Ben Shelton, Tommy Paul, and Frances Tiafoe will now be seen in action at the Vienna Open. Shelton will take on Jannik Sinner in the opening round. Paul and Tiafoe will face Alexandre Muller and Dan Evans, respectively.

Taylor Fritz, meanwhile, will be up against Max Purcell in the opening round of the Swiss Indoors Basel.