American tennis players have elevated the sport with their skill and performance over the years. There are several American players counted among the greatest of all time. However, this new generation of players has the extra oomph factor too. This quality was on display aplenty in the latest photoshoot for Vanity Fair before the commencement of the US Open.
Well-known names like Frances Tiafoe, Danielle Collins, Ben Shelton, and Jessica Pegula made an appearance, looking absolutely stunning. Pegula, who impressed with her tennis by winning the Canadian Open last week, dialed up the glamour in her blue dress.
This group of young players is not just good at the sport, but they are also change-makers. In short, it appears that this group is rewriting American tennis history.
The current field of American pro tennis players is the most exciting, talented, and varied we’ve seen in decades—men and women alike.
On the eve of the US Open, VF takes a closer look at the emerging talents of American tennis.
🔗: https://t.co/bsaW9EHO2K pic.twitter.com/g45yfKShhA
— VANITY FAIR (@VanityFair) August 15, 2023
Of course, this photoshoot left the fans with their jaws hanging open. A user claimed, “Love this so much!! Also Danielle Collins,” about Collins in a shimmering blue dress with sequins. They cannot seem to control their excitement and awe at seeing some of their favorites in the photo shoot.
Love this so much!! Also Danielle Collins! ❤️😍 https://t.co/h78glz2jhe
— S J (@sjain_95) August 15, 2023
A fan added that this is the way to expose tennis to a wider audience. This photoshoot will pique their curiosities at least.
The pics are incredible and unique.
These are the kinds of things that grow the sport – exposure in a general-interest magazine that’s outside the tiny ecosystem and social-media bubble. https://t.co/6Zzr08Ftc5— Stephanie Myles (@OpenCourt) August 15, 2023
Fans also wondered about the absence of Taylor Fritz. Either way, this photoshoot is one that will be remembered for a long time. These players serve on the tennis court, they also served in this photoshoot ahead of the US Open.
How has this batch of American players performed at the US Open previously?
Frances Tiafoe is one of the best prospects in men’s tennis. Tiafoe’s biggest highlight at the US Open remains to make it to the semifinals last year. He defeated Andrey Rublev and Rafael Nadal en route to the semifinals. In doing so, he became the first American man to make it to the semifinal since 2006.
Defeating Rafael Nadal was the cherry on top of the cake for Tiafoe. Frances defeated Nadal 6-4, 4-6, 6-4, 6-3. He played aggressive tennis throughout the match, winning six out of eight breakpoints.
After Tiafoe, Taylor Fritz is one of the best prospects in men’s tennis. Both Fritz and Tiafoe are in the top 10 ranked players. Unfortunately for Fritz, he has not lived up to the hype on the biggest stage. He was knocked out in the first round itself last year.
Jessica Pegula has the best chance of making a deep run at this year’s tournament. She is fresh off her win in Montreal and will hope to carry the momentum forward at the Flushing Meadows.
Pegula is being backed by Andy Roddick too, who feels she has the best chance this year. Jessica already defeated Swiatek this year in Montreal.
Irrespective of who makes it big in the US Open, fans will have their eyes glued to these players. The final Grand Slam event will begin on August 28.