Ben Shelton skips Olympics: Gauff and Fritz take lead for US team

Coco Gauff and Taylor Fritz will be the top seeds for the United States in the women's and men's singles, respectively, after the player roster for the singles was confirmed. The Americans will have four representatives in each singles draw and appear as strong contenders for a medal.

In the women's category, three of their representatives are in the top 10, with Coco Gauff (No. 3), Jessica Pegula (No. 6), and Danielle Collins (No. 10). Former US Open finalist Madison Keys joins them in the 11th position, making them the only team with all four singles players within the top 20.

The men's team is equally formidable. Although they don't have players in the top 10, they will have a complete team within the top 30, including two top-15 players. Taylor Fritz (No. 12) and Tommy Paul (No. 13) will be the main American favorites, although Sebastian Korda (No. 26) and Frances Tiafoe (No. 28) are also expected to make an impact.

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However, the men's team will not include Ben Shelton (No. 14) among its representatives, as the youngster has decided to skip the Olympics despite securing his qualification, focusing instead on the hardcourt swing after Wimbledon. Shelton doesn't feel entirely comfortable on clay, which could explain his lack of interest in competing for a medal.

After the French Open concludes, the grass court season begins, culminating in the Wimbledon Championships ending on July 14th. From there, the players will have two weeks until the Olympics, which are held between July 27th and August 4th at the Stade Roland Garros.

Coco Gauff at 2023 Roland Garros.

The Americans haven't won a medal in men's singles at the Olympics since Mardy Fish reached the final in Athens 2004, only to settle for the silver medal after losing to Chilean Nicolas Massu. The last gold medal was 28 years ago in Atlanta 1996, won by Andre Agassi.

In the women's category, they have achieved more success in singles, with gold medals courtesy of Venus Williams (Sydney 2000) and Serena Williams (London 2012).

José Morgado

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USA Singles Olympics qualifiers are set: Gauff Pegula Collins Keys Fritz Paul Korda Tiafoe (Shelton said he doesn't wanna play)

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