Indian Wells draw analysis: Where do the American ATP players stand? Featuring Frances Tiafoe, Taylor Fritz, Ben Shelton and Tommy Paul

Among the four, Taylor Firtz is the top seed (12th seed). Shelton, Paul, and Tiafoe are the 16th, 17th, and 18th seeds respectively at the 2024 Indian Wells.

Indian Wells draw analysis: Where do the American ATP players stand? Featuring Frances Tiafoe, Taylor Fritz, Ben Shelton and Tommy Paul

Tommy Paul, Taylor Fritz, Ben Shelton, Frances Tiafoe (Images via The News Press, BNP Paribas Open, ATP, X)

The draws for 2024 Indian Wells were revealed on Monday. The seeded players were given a bye in the first round. This means the top American stalwarts taking part in the ATP 1000 tournament have been given a bye. The likes of Ben Shelton, Frances Tiafoe, Taylor Fritz, and Tommy Paul will have hopes pinned on them as they gear up for the first Masters of the season.

Among the four, Taylor Firtz is the top seed (12th seed). Shelton, Paul, and Tiafoe are the 16th, 17th, and 18th seeds respectively at the 2024 Indian Wells. Among the four Americans, Tiafoe’s draw looks like a tough one.

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The 26-year-old is slated to face Emil Ruusuvuori, who pushed Daniil Medvedev to the limits at the 2024 Australian Open, in his first match. Even if Tiafoe manages to win his second-round match, he will have a tough time beating Stefanos Tsitsipas who will be waiting for the American in the third round.

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For Tommy Paul, things might be manageable in the second round as the American star will be facing either compatriot Alex Michelsen or Jaume Munar. However, the 26-year-old American might be in trouble in the third round if he is to meet Ugo Humbert.

The Frenchman is coming on the back of a title-winning performance in Dubai and thus will be high on confidence. Also, the two players have not been in their best form lately and thus are expected to go as far as the third round at the India Wells 2024.

High hopes from Ben Shelton and Taylor Fritz at 2024 Indian Wells

While Frances Tiafoe and Tommy Paul might not be able to go as deep as expected, Ben Shelton and Taylor Fritz will be the players to bank on. The two Americans have been faring decently in the past few months. More than Shelton, Fritz will have the responsibility to keep the American flag flying high.

Morgan Riddle, Taylor Fritz and Ben Shelton
Morgan Riddle, Taylor Fritz and Ben Shelton( Credits: TheSportsMag)

Fritz won the tournament back in 2022 when he defeated Rafael Nadal in the final. The 26-year-old has reached back-to-back Grand Slam quarterfinals and also clinched the title Delray Beach. Hence, Fritz is expected to at least reach the quarterfinal.

For that, the American will have to play to his potential. Fritz might have to face either Rafael Nadal or Holger Rune in the fourth round. On the other hand, Ben Shelton is expected to face Jakub Mensik in the second round and Francisco Cerundolo in the third round. The 21-year-old American can meet Jannik Sinner in the fourth round and hope to repeat his heroics from the Tokyo Open last year.

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