Three Americans are contending to be the No. 1 ranked American tennis player for 2021 this week in Paris.
John Isner, who is not playing the Paris Rolex Masters 1000 event, is presently the highest ranked American at no. 23 with 1991 points.
But Isner’s edge is by very narrow margins on top of two young Americans who sit just a few spots below in the ATP World Tour singles rankings.
Reilly Opelka currently stands at no. 25 with 1891 points and at no. 26 is Taylor Fritz with 1890 points.
Both Opelka and Fritz won their first round matches in Paris, Opelka defeated Krajinovic and Fritz beat Sonego.
Sebi Korda is ranked 39, two spots ahead of no. 41 Frances Tiafoe.
So it looks like the race to be the United States highest ranked player will come down to who does better in Paris, Opelka or his pal Fritz, barring a miracle run to the final or title by Korda and Tiafoe. Korda beat Karatsev yesterday and still remains in contention while Tiafoe will battle Marcos Giron later in his Paris first round opener.
Opelka was the top ranked American a few weeks ago at no. 20 but dropped behind Isner who has maintained a hold on US no. 1 honors for the majority of the last decade. Isner was top American for 2020 with a ranking of 25, his first year end finish outside the top 20 since 2009 when he was ranked 34. Fritz finished last year no. 29. Opelka finished last year at 39.
NOTE: Fritz clinched the US year end no. 1 ranked American yesterday with his 63 76 win vs Cameron Norrie. Today he will try to score his first career win vs Novak Djokovic in the Paris QF.
John Isner · Reilly Opelka · Taylor Fritz · USA Tennis
