Rackets and Balls - Tennis News

A breakdown of the U.S. in men’s tennis

by Erica on January 25th, 2008

Basically, there are two words that can sum up the United States representation in men’s tennis - it sucks.

Donnie Collins of the Times Tribune gives a great breakdown of the lackluster era in American men’s tennis. A few points from Collins’ article:

- Since 2003, an American has faced Roger Federer 41 times…and lost 41 times.
- Four straight Grand Slams have seen the American hopefuls unable to get to the semis.
- In 12 Australian Opens, 11 made it to the final - in 14 Wimbledons, 15 Americans played the final.

The major point of worry is that there doesn’t really seem to be anybody around to step up. Federer doesn’t really show any signs of slowing and if he does - it’ll be Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal or maybe even the up-and-comer J-Dub Tsonga who takes him out. Not the 25-year-old Andy Roddick or the 28-year-old James Blake, both who are the best options for the American tennis frontline.

And then Collins brings up another point - without a big name to headline the news for American sports fans, will tennis become an obscure, little followed sport (such as soccer) in the United States? I mean, if you’re not going to be hitting someone or have a helmet on, then most American fans aren’t going to be interested in a sport unless an American is rocking the socks off.

Donald Young, John Isner, Ryan Harrison - are they the future of American tennis?

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POSTED IN: Andy Roddick, James Blake, Professional Tennis