Four American men thrilled the home US Open crowds by progressing to the fourth round on Friday.

Tiafoe, seeded 10th, was a semi-finalist last year, while ninth seed Fritz, 14th seed Paul and Shelton reached the last 16 for the first time.

“This is the best tournament for Americans to play in,” said Paul, 26.

“Obviously around the grounds everyone is really stoked and excited about the Americans.

“Every time I pass one of the TVs here it’s like ‘is an American gonna win a (singles) slam for the first time in 20 years?’

“You see a lot of it. I’m just really excited to play every match. I’m doing things I have never done.”

Tiafoe is into the fourth round in New York for the fourth successive year after overcoming a slow start to beat France’s Adrian Mannarino, 4-6 6-2 6-3 7-6 (8-6).

American men’s number one Fritz, 25, needed only an hour and 30 minutes to win 6-1 6-2 6-0 against Jakub Mensik – on the Czech teenager’s 18th birthday.

Paul, who won 6-1 6-0 3-6 6-3 against Spain’s Alejandro Davidovich Fokina, will play compatriot Shelton in the last 16 after he beat Russian Aslan Karatsev 6-4 3-6 6-2 6-0.

Rising star Shelton hit 26 aces, including one 147mph serve – the fastest of the tournament so far.

Tiafoe taking inspiration from legend Ashe

Last year Tiafoe achieved his best Grand Slam result to date when he reached the last four, where he lost to eventual champion Carlos Alcaraz in five sets.

The 25-year-old said he is motivated by Arthur Ashe, the 1968 champion who Flushing Meadows’ main court is named after.

Ashe remains the only black man to win the US Open, Australia Open or Wimbledon singles titles.

“I have always watched this tournament as a kid and wanted to play out here and in the biggest stages,” Tiafoe said.

“There is so much history here. Obviously, Arthur Ashe – what a legend.

“I just want my name in same sentence as his. That is why I play my best tennis here.”