Three weeks ago, American men’s tennis reached a new low. For the first time in the 47-year history of the ATP rankings, there was not a single player from the United States inside the world’s top-30. This prompted some deep reflection for those involved with the sport across the pond. The United States used to be a tennis powerhouse, boasting as many as 16 top-30 players in the equivalent week’s rankings 40 years ago, but the globalisation of the game since has contributed to a staggering downfall in the fortunes of those representing the Stars and Stripes on the ATP tour. SponsoredAmericans hope that Fritz, 23, will become their first grand-slam men’s singles champion since Andy Roddick in 2003 CHRISTOPHE ENA/APIt is somewhat ironic then that this year’s French Open is proving to be one of the most successful for Americans in recent times.

Source: The Times June 04, 2021 08:02 UTC