American sportswriter Chris Oddo sees Fritz as leading light in American men's tennis: "Setting the bar even higher for guys like Tiafoe and Tommy Paul"

American tennis is experiencing a slow but sure rise on the ATP Tour with American number one Taylor Fritz being the leading man.

It's not just Fritz doing the heavy lifting it's also players like Tommy Paul and Frances Tiafoe who both have had an amazing year in 2022. They are all capable of becoming major players but Fritz has established himself as the leader of the pack.

Tennis reporter Chris Oddo certainly sees Fritz as such:

"What I love about Taylor is that he's leading the American men right now and he's setting the bar higher for guys like Frances and Tommy Paul."

He continued:

"I think all these guys in the 24, 25-year-old age range are realizing that it's possible for them and that the tectonic plates of tennis are shifting. There's going to be more opportunities at the top and they want to be a part of it, and they're believing that they can be a part of it, and it's all thanks to Taylor Fritz this year."

And added:

"That (win over Nadal in Indian Wells) was a big pillar of belief for him. He got two more titles, got his first (ATP) 500 title along the way in Tokyo. He then took advantage of an opportunity at the ATP Finals and played great. He got some massive wins under his belt."