Tommy Paul and Taylor Fritz rep Florida tennis in Wimbledon quarters

Tommy Paul and Taylor Fritz joined Emma Navarro as Americans to reach the singles quarterfinals at Wimbledon, marking the first time since 2000 (Pete Sampras, Andre Agassi, Jan-Michael Gambill) that multiple American men advanced to the Wimbledon quarterfinals in the same year. 

On the men's side, it took 24 years for American tennis to reach these heights at Wimbledon. Back then, Sampras and Agassi both advanced to the semifinals that year, and Sampras won the title over Pat Rafter. Can Fritz or Paul achieve a feat like that this year?

Above: Taylor Fritz. Photo: Brett Miller.

These two players have a lot in common. It turns out they both call Florida home. Tommy Paul is based in Boca Raton and Taylor Fritz has a residence in Miami. In fact, the two recently faced off in Florida at the Delray Beach Open — Fritz got the win in straight sets 6-2, 6-3. 

In order to face off at Wimbledon this year, the two Floridians would have to reach the finals. To make their way to the quarters, Fritz and Paul had to prove their mettle over in England.

Above: A look back at Tommy Paul at the Delray Beach Open. Photo: Brett Miller.

Fritz came back from two sets down to beat Alexander Zverev, 4-6, 6-7(4), 6-4, 7-6(3), 6-3 to reach his second Wimbledon quarterfinal. “It was amazing to do that on Centre Court Wimbledon two sets down,” said Fritz, who just won his third title on grass at Eastbourne.

Meanwhile, Paul quickly dispatched of Spanish veteran Roberto Bautista Agut 6-2 7-6(3) 6-2 to reach his first Wimbledon quarterfinal. "It worked out great," Paul said. "I always play good tennis on this court." Paul's coming off his first grass court title after winning the Queen's Club warm-up event prior to Wimbledon.

So what's next? Fritz will face Lorenzo Musetti in the quarters. And Paul will face Carlos Alcaraz. Tough matches. But American tennis is in good hands. Bring home the win fellas — Florida's biggest tennis fans will be watching. 

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Written by Florida Tennis' Editor and Publisher Matt Pressman. Source: USTA, Forbes, Reuters. Photos: Brett Miller.