U.S.A Heading in the same direction as UK

Written by: Staff on 14th May 2011

U.S.A Heading in the same direction as UK

epa02724496 Andy Roddick of the US returns the ball to Frenchman Gilles Simon in their first round match at the Italian Open Tennis Tournament, in the Central Stadium at the Foro Italico in Rome, Italy, 09 May 2010. EPA/CLAUDIO ONORATI |

There is an impending sense of doom it seems around the US in terms of Men’s tennis – and the growing worry that it is heading in the same direction as the UK.

Thinking about the current situation carefully, it is correct to summarise that this is hardly a golden era for male American players.

The U.S.A’s leading light, Andy Roddick, seems to be rapidly on the decline and a world away from ever getting close to winning another Grand Slam title.

Just behind Roddick in the rankings lies Mardy Fish, who at 29 and nearing the end of his career has never made it beyond the last eight of a major event.

The giant John isner is on his day very useful, although useful is perhaps the extent of his limitations – whilst Sam Querrey sits on the fringes of the World’s top 20 without actually making any serious in-roads towards winning silverware.

Based on this rather drab outline, there is full reason for American’s to feel at best slightly downhearted and despondent about the state of play at the moment.

And there is no doubt that the US should certainly have more strength in depth and a greater amount of players who can be considered genuine contenders and winners.

The days of Sampras and Agassi dominating the sport do indeed seem a long time ago now.

But it is imperative for America to get themselves back on track – or risk heading towards the doldrums of world tennis in the same fashion that the UK has done for many years.

Aside from Andy Murray, Britain have little more than top club players to offer on the men’s side of things – for a number of reasons which are all in many ways valid (lack of funding, interests in other sports etc).

I am sure many Americans would agree however that the US cannot really boast any excuses as they have enjoyed many successful years at the forefront of world tennis in the past – and this is a tradition which is vital to maintain.