Coco Gauff, Frances Tiafoe & Taylor Townsend: Black Excellence at the 2026 US Open

Last updated: September 9, 2026 2:05 pm

Coco Gauff, Frances Tiafoe, and Taylor Townsend competing at Flushing Meadows.

If you’ve found yourself at the edge of your seat, fixated on your screen and occasionally shouting “Tennis!” as Coco Gauff sends that pocketed backhand across the court, or as Frances Tiafoe’s forehand comes into play, you’re certainly not the only one.

And while the 2026 US Open has plenty of names to keep track of, we’re taking a closer look at three Black players who are currently competing at Flushing Meadows: Coco Gauff, Frances Tiafoe and Taylor Townsend.

From the singles draw to the doubles court, here’s a look at the three players representing Black excellence on one of tennis’ biggest stages.

Coco Gauff

Atlanta-raised Coco Gauff announced herself on the global stage as a 15-year-old prodigy at Wimbledon and has since developed into one of tennis’s most formidable competitors. Now 22 and holding two Grand Slam singles titles—including her memorable 2023 victory on these very courts in New York—the world No. 4 enters the tournament as a frontrunner. Beyond her relentless court coverage, Gauff has become a major cultural force, seamlessly blending high-profile fashion partnerships with grounded post-match poise.

Gauff has enjoyed a stellar run at Flushing Meadows this fortnight. She breezed through her opening rounds with straight-set wins over Zeynep Sönmez, Paula Badosa, and Cristina Bucșa. In the Round of 16, she faced 18-year-old American sensation Iva Jovic. Showing the maturity of a veteran champion, Gauff broke serve five times to secure a clean 6-1, 6-4 victory, stretching her personal winning streak to 20 consecutive sets.