Coco Gauff Aims to Defend Title as Shelton, Korda and Other Florida Pros Take on US Open

The stage is set, and the draw for the 2024 US Open has been revealed, with several Florida players ready to make their mark on the grandest stage in American tennis. From seasoned professionals to rising stars, these athletes bring excitement to the tournament. 

Led by Coco Gauff and Ben Shelton, Sebastian Korda, Austin Krajicek, Reilly Opelka, Danielle Collins, Sloane Stephens, Sofia Kenin, Nicole Melichar-Martinez, Amanda Anisimova, and Tyra Caterina Grant are looking to make some noise at the final Grand Slam of 2024. 

Coco Gauff enters the 2024 US Open with the weight of defending her title. Last year, she became the first American teenager to win the US Open since Serena Williams in 1999. As the defending champion, all eyes will be on Gauff as she starts her quest to retain her crown. 

Coco Gauff won the 2023 US Open Women’s Singles Title.

Last year, Ben Shelton took over the tennis world with a remarkable run to the US Open semifinals. His journey ended at the hands of the eventual champion, Novak Djokovic, but it was clear that Shelton had arrived on the big stage. This year, Shelton enters the tournament with added experience and confidence. He is once again a player to watch as he looks to replicate his performance from last year. 

Sebastian Korda, one of the brightest young talents in American tennis, is poised for a deep run at this year’s US Open. Korda has steadily climbed the ranks, especially after winning the Mubadala Citi DC Open, 32 years after his father did. He will be carrying that momentum into the Grand Slam and is looking to make a deep run. 

Reilly Opelka returns to the US Open on a protected ranking after dealing with injuries that kept him sidelined for the better end of nearly 2 years. Known for his towering height and booming serve, Opelka is eyeing a big return to the brightest stage. 

Reilly Opelka will play in the 2024 US Open.

For Danielle Collins, this US Open carries special significance as it will be the final Grand Slam of her career. After battling injuries, including one at the Olympics in Paris, Collins is ready to give it her all in her final US Open. 

Both Sloane Stephens and Sofia Kenin are former Grand Slam champions with the experience and skill to go deep in the tournament. Stephens, the 2017 US Open champion, has shown glimpses of her top form in recent months, while Kenin, who won the Australian Open in 2020, is always a threat. 

Austin Krajicek (right) is looking to build off his Silver Medal at the Paris Olympics.

Over in Doubles, 2024 Olympic Silver Medalist, Austin Krajicek is a top threat once again. Nicole Melichar-Martinez will take part in the doubles competition as she is looking for her first Grand Slam win.  

Additionally, the Doubles draw also includes the emerging talent in Tyra Caterina Grant. Grant won the Billie Jean King Girl’s 18s National Championship, which earned her a wildcard entry and will be looking to make the most of this golden opportunity.  

Tyra and Jovic earned a wildcard spot at the US Open.
Photo Courtesy of Lexie Wanninger / USTA Southern California

Closing out Florida players is Amanda Anisimova. Anisimova earned a wildcard by being the top women in the 2024 US Open Wild Card Challenge. She will be eager to showcase her skills on one of the sport’s biggest stages. 

As the US Open begins, Florida’s tennis community will be watching closely, cheering on these players as they strive for greatness in New York. Make sure to follow USTA Florida on Instagram and visit the news page to stay updated on their success at the Grand Slam. The Main Draw begins on Monday, August 26.