Christian Harrison USA MVP?

Despite being undefeated in group play, it hasn't been all glamour and glitz for this USA team at the United Cup. It's only been two matches and there's already been multiple viral moments. First was Fritz up a set and break on Baez, hit the basketball made famous "too small" celebration, and went on to lose the match in a 3rd set. Then there was Coco Gauff mentioning to the media that USA fans are the worst of any country supporting there players internationally. That might've sparked the crowd for her next match, but ultimately she fell 6-0 in the 3rd. With a loss in each match, you might expect team USA to not have won yet, but not so fast. Thanks to Christian Harrison the USA is 2-0. Both times he shared the court with partner Coco Gauff and both times they won in straight sets. He is the only undefeated player from team USA and the only tennis player in the game repping his name on his shirt like a jersey.

Growing up I spent time at the same academy in Texas that Christian formerly was at, Newcombe Tennis Ranch. So it's no surprise he's finding his stride in Australia after living at Newks when he was younger. But what's even less of a surprise is him having the success he's had since Dallas Open of last year. He and partner Evan King (former University of Michigan player) won that tournament, and rode that momentum the rest of the year all the way to the World Tour Finals. Christian you'd always hear how he was more talented than his older brother Ryan but he just couldn't stay healthy for a while. Not even comparing to Ryan, you would just hear how good Christian was and the potential he has. You'd hear about his junior results. Hear about his dad loving gas station pizza. You'd hear stories of him playing football on the hard courts at Newks at night. He is somebody as a person and player they were proud to say spent time there. For him it was just a matter of staying healthy for him.

Now not only is he staying healthy and winning tennis matches, but he might be turning into Captain America of the United Cup. From playing Challenger tournaments in 2024 to now being 2-0 on an undefeated United Cup team, he now is winning matches on the biggest stages in front of packed stadiums. The rise has been real for Christian and we should expect him to keep ascending. This year he will be playing doubles with Great Britain's Skupski, but we should have a few more matches of Gauff and Harrison if he can keep help them claim that final point.

Maybe most importantly he might be the first person to ever play a match with their last name on their shirt. He is out there ballin for Harrison and USA, just like Steph in the Olympics. Jokes aside, in 25 years I think we might look back to this. All matches they should do that, it makes their kits way more unique and that of any other sports jersey. At least there for team matches (Davis Cup, United Cup) names should be on the back of their shirts. Christian Harrison the fashion influencer.

USA won their group and now will move on to the quarters or semis and their opponent is to be determined still as other matches still need to be played.