THE RISE AND FALL (AND RISE AGAIN?) OF AMERICAN MEN’S TENNIS

Written by: Staff on 25th March 2012

THE RISE AND FALL (AND RISE AGAIN?) OF AMERICAN MEN'S TENNIS |

By Kristen Tracy

With the immense breakthrough of John Isner at this year’s BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, I can’t help but think that the future of American tennis is beginning to look up again – at least for the time being.

For a long time following the retirements of Pete Sampras and Andre Agassi in 2003 and 2006 respectively, Andy Roddick was considered to be the lone hope for the future of American tennis. Sure, players like Mardy Fish, James Blake, and Robby Ginepri played on the pro tour, but it was Roddick who stood heads above the rest of the men from the United States. In 2003, Roddick won his first (and only) grand slam title at the U.S. Open. Following the win, he became the number one player in the world, and remained there for only 2 months before a guy named Federer began to emerge. Since then, though Roddick has maintained a spot in the top 10 up until April 4, 2011, many considered him to be the bearer of the future of American men’s tennis.

Over the last two years Roddick has suffered from various illnesses and injuries, forcing him not only out of the top 10, but out of the top 30. Currently ranked 34 in the world, Roddick risks not receiving a seed for the first time in 11 years at this year’s Wimbledon if he can’t get a few wins under his belt and add about 200 points to his current ATP South African Airways ranking. If Roddick were still the only decent American player on tour, I’d be worried – very worried – about the future of American tennis. Luckily, the United States has produced some extremely hopeful prospects over the last few years.

Mardy Fish, who grew up with Roddick both on and off the tour, has come into his own as a tennis player. No longer is he in the shadows of his best friend. Instead he leads the way for a pack of American men hoping to improve the country’s reputation in the sport. At eight in the world, Fish has proven that he can rumble with the best and is a force to be reckoned with. After an impressive run to his first ATP World Tour Masters 1000 event in Indian Wells, 6′ 9″ John Isner cracked the top 10 for the first time in his five-year career. It is the first time since January 2002 that American men have occupied two of the top 10 rankings spots. Though Isner possesses a deadly serve and powerful forehand, it is his heart and determination that have gotten him this far. His win over world number one Novak Djokovic was more than just a lucky day. With the American crowd behind him, he proved that he too can compete with the best…and win. Though they still have some work to do, other players such as Sam Querrey, Ryan Harrison, and Donald Young show great promise in the future of the game.

Many have recently thrown around the word “retirement” when discussing Roddick’s chances of regaining his spot atop the world of American tennis. While he may never win another grand slam, and may not get higher than 15 or 20 in the rankings, Andy Roddick, when healthy, is still a very dangerous player. Though head-to-head records may not indicate such, many top players still get wary when they see Roddick’s name in their section of any draw. If he can figure out a way to get healthy and injury-free, the combination of Roddick, Fish, and Isner all in the top 20 would be one heck of a trifecta. Until then, I think it’s pretty safe to say the future of American men’s tennis is in good hands.

Editor’s Note: 10sBalls.com is very excited to introduce a new tennis fanatic and guest writer. Kristen is one of the best tennis fans please feel free to leave her some comments down below or on her twitter.

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Topics: 10sballs.com, and Robby Gineprii, Andy Roddick, Bryan Brothers, Donald Young, James Blake, John Isner, Kristen Tracy, Mardy Fish, Ryan Harrison, Sam Querrey, Sports, tennis new