The countdown to the US Open has officially turned into a race—and Coco Gauff just threw down a challenge that might have Taylor Fritz and Ben Shelton looking over their shoulders. The 20-year-old American star has dubbed it her “catch-up” mission: to sharpen her game, rack up match wins, and ensure she’s peaking when it matters most in New York.
While the US Open is still weeks away, Gauff’s urgency is clear. She’s not chasing just another Slam run—she’s chasing dominance on home soil. And in her eyes, the race isn’t just against the women’s field. By publicly noting her desire to “catch up” to the winning momentum of her fellow Americans on the men’s tour—particularly Fritz and Shelton—Gauff has turned preparation into a friendly, high-stakes rivalry.
Fritz has been riding a wave of consistent results, cementing himself as the American men’s standard-bearer, while Shelton has injected fresh energy with his fearless, big-hitting game. But Gauff’s message is simple: she wants to be the one setting the tone for US tennis, regardless of gender.
The “catch-up” part isn’t about skill—Gauff’s explosive athleticism, rock-solid backhand, and improving serve have already placed her in elite company. Instead, it’s about momentum. She knows the US Open demands more than talent—it demands swagger, match rhythm, and a mindset that screams, I’m unbeatable here.
For fans, this mini arms race between America’s tennis darlings is pure gold. It’s a playful yet pointed reminder that US tennis is thriving across the board. For Fritz and Shelton, it’s a public nudge that Coco’s coming in hot—and she plans to bring more than just her trademark speed and defense to Flushing Meadows.
Whether Gauff’s “catch-up” challenge ends in another Grand Slam trophy or simply adds fuel to the US Open buzz, one thing is certain: when the lights go up in New York, she won’t just be chasing. She’ll be leading the charge.