It’s been two decades since an American brought home a major singles title.
The current roster of players is still looking for the big win, with Frances Tiafoe being the one fans have pinned their hopes on.
He is ranked 21st in the world but enjoyed his latest run at Roland Garros last year by finishing in the quarter-finals.
He is not the one who was close to the goal, several others have not been able to end the twenty-year drought either.
In a recent media appearance just before the tournament began, Tiafoe speaks his mind.
He said: “It’s been nice for a long time. I think we’ve been killing it. It’s a matter of we only have a few guys. It’s just really heavy, man.”
Tiafoe badmouths American tennis, adding: “We know, they’re controlling a lot. I mean, I think Fritz has been in the top ten for many years.”
“Ben’s made it big there. He’s established himself as a top ten guy. I mean, I’ve been in the top 20 for most of the last four years. Tommy too. He’s been flirting in and out, so.”
Tiafoe explains: “We have Korda, I mean, you know, if he’s healthy, you know, he’ll always, again, be in the top 20.
“But it’s their way of organizing these weeks and trying to achieve the end goal, and one of us trying to win, in these types of events.”
“You know, Ben won 1000, you know, Fritz won 1000, you know, I’ve been a 1000 finalist, so we’re all flirting with the top of the game. We just have to get over the line,” Tiafoe concluded.
Andy Roddick remains the last man standing having won the US Open title in 2003, almost two decades ago.
This time at the French Open, only Shelton will be the highest-ranked American entering his clay court campaign.
