American men’s tennis has been in an undeniable slump throughout the past decade, but some hope may be on the horizon in the form of youngsters such as Jared Donaldson, Frances Tiafoe, Stefan Kozlov, and Taylor Fritz. How bright could the future be?
What is the main reason that there hasn’t been a male Grand Slam champ since Andy Roddick in 2003, and not even a legitimate contender?
Right off the bat the obvious answer would be that Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic have been for the most part monopolizing the Grand Slam titles, leaving few trophies for the rest of the field. But that does not tell the real story for Americans because no American has even reached a final since Roddick at Wimbledon in 2009. Heck, no American has made it to a major semi since that time.
I would point the finger more to the simple fact that the best athletes in this country play other sports than I would at the USTA’s developmental system. Although the system may not be perfect, I don’t think it has been working with any talent big enough to win a slam title. Yes, several recent Americans have failed to live up to expectations. But we are talking about guys who should be reaching slam quarters and are losing in the first week; not guys who should be winning major titles and losing in quarters. The bottom line is athletes like LeBron James and Cam Newton (just two name two of a countless number) are playing basketball and football. They are well aware that they can make more money and become more famous going in those directions.
What do you think about this upcoming group of Americans (Jared Donaldson, Taylor Fritz, Frances Tiafoe, Stefan Kozlov, Noah Rubin, etc.)?
Which one do you think has the most potential and why? Who’s game do you like the best?
That being said, I have seen more of Donaldson than I have of the rest of the field so I may be biased. Tiafoe has a ton of talent, but his service motion needs work and his attitude is downright bad. In terms of stock, Tiafoe is high-risk, high-reward. With Fritz the sample size is too small to pass judgment. He was basically a no-name until this summer. But he does have the power game that can take him places, whereas guys like Kozlov, Rubin, and Tommy Paul are likely going to be grinders who hopefully reach the top 50.
This crop of youngsters seems to be inspiring each other. Rivalries within a country can be extremely beneficial, as long as they are healthy rivalries–and that appears to be the case. All of these guys seem to get along with each really well. Rubin and Kozlov played each other in an all-American 2014 Wimbledon boys final and it’s been full steam ahead ever since. Rubin finished runner-up in the NCAA singles championship. Donaldson won a Challenger in February and reached round two of the ATP event in Memphis. Tiafoe got hot earlier this season, a stretch that included a five-set Kalamazoo win over Kozlov to get a spot in the U.S. Open main draw. Then Fritz and Paul both made it to the U.S. Open junior final. Fritz has been on fire ever since winning that title. Everyone is feeding off each other and nobody wants to get left out of the party.
Basically age and confidence are the main reasons. Even though tennis is becoming more of an “old man’s game” at the top of the rankings, players are really breaking out around 18. See Borna Coric and Hyeon Chung as primary examples. Donaldson just turned 19, Fritz just turned 18, and Tiafoe is about to turn 18. Although earlier than some, this is the natural time for them to start taking flight.
Who is the next American man to win a singles Grand Slam event?
Should the United States be faring better in Davis Cup?
It’s a shame the United States has only won one Davis Cup with Bob and Mike Bryan, the most dominant doubles pairing in tennis history. Yes, “only” one is more than many countries have; but it’s not enough for a team that is almost guaranteed to win the doubles point in every tie.That is becoming less and less of a guarantee as the Bryans get older, so time is running out. Some singles players–Isner and Sock, specifically–must finally step up and help the Bryan Brothers give the USA another title. With each of the Big 4 having now won a Davis Cup thanks to Andy Murray’s recent triumph, their motivation level will dip (it already has, in fact). The door should be open in 2016 and 2017; the Americans need to capitalize.
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Tiafoe beat Kozlov in 5 sets in Kalamazoo, not the Orange Bowl, to receive USO WC
yep, great call
Honestly gonna go with Taylor fritz to be next to win slam and I think the others in the poll and others outside the poll have chance as well I would just give slight edge to fritz over others. Great future for US tennis imo.
bold call….and i like it
Oh and of course sock has chance I just didn’t notice he is on there I would probably put him up there with fritz but fritz I think the most of the teens right now tho Donaldson Rubin kozlov Opelka tiafoe Paul could all make waves I would say.
Hey this was my interview haha, absolutely love the site, especially the match previews.
yes it was!