It’s been nearly 21 years since an American man won the singles title at the U.S. Open.
It’s been nearly 18 years since one even reached the final.
But with a much-hyped rematch between U.S. stars Ben Shelton and Frances Tiafoe set to take place Friday in the third round of this year’s tournament in Queens, it’s become increasingly clear that American men’s tennis is on the upswing.
“The quality of U.S. men’s tennis is 100% on the rise,” Shelton, 21, said Wednesday after advancing past Spain’s Roberto Bautista Agut in straight sets.
“I think that we’ve had a lot of guys for a while that you think are going to start pushing through into the top 15, top 10. Guys who have already been there as well who are finding their form again. This is the most guys that we’ve had in this competitive position in a while.”
Indeed, the ATP singles rankings feature five U.S. men within the top 20. Among them is Shelton (No. 13), who beat Tiafoe (No. 20) in four sets in the Open quarterfinal last year.
They are joined in the rankings by Taylor Fritz (No. 12), Tommy Paul (No. 14) and Sebastian Korda (No. 16). On Thursday, Korda became the first of the five to be eliminated at Flushing Meadows with a second-round loss in straight sets to Tomas Machac.
“Whenever somebody has that big push, it kind of puts the other guys on alert and I think makes them play even better,” Shelton said. “Like when I had become the No. 1 American this year for four-and-a-half minutes, Taylor Fritz got hot. I’m not saying that’s because of me, but … I think that the more that we continue to push each other, we’re moving in the right direction.”
Andy Roddick’s Open title in 2003 remains the last by an American man. Roddick was also the last to appear in the final, having done so in 2006.
It’s a far cry from the years of Jimmy Connors and Pete Sampras, who won five Open titles apiece, or John McEnroe, who achieved the feat four times.
The U.S. has dominated the women’s tournament over the last 25 years, winning 11 titles since 1998, including Serena Williams’ six and Coco Gauff’s last year.
This month marks the first time since Oct. 7, 1996, that the U.S. boasts five men and five women within the top 20 of their respective rankings.
While none of the American men are favorites at this year’s Open, there’s more parity in the sport than in the days when Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic were simultaneously dominating.
“We’ve all been playing really well,” Tiafoe said Wednesday after cruising past Alexander Shevchenko of Kazakhstan.
“There’s a window. There’s an opening in the game. … We had three greats playing at the same time and winning events. Obviously, you had some sleepers come out of nowhere and win the U.S. Open.
“I think this is definitely one that we can win. We just haven’t done it yet.”
Tiafoe, 26, is competing at his 10th Open. His trip to the 2022 semifinal marked his best finish in the tournament.
Shelton is competing in his third Open, having advanced to the semifinal last year after defeating Tiafoe in four sets a round earlier.
That loss didn’t sit well with Tiafoe, who said he’s “super excited” to face Shelton again.
“That wasn’t something I was pleased about by any means, and then I had a bad season after that,” Tiafoe said. “It’s stuff you definitely learn from. I think everything that comes in your career, all the highs and lows, it only sets you up for better moments ahead.”
The attention surrounding their rematch is a boon for American tennis, Shelton said.
“Frances is probably the best in our sport in recent years on the American side of reaching that casual sports fan, being the guy that gets on ESPN or mainstream media,” Shelton said.
“He’s got all the hooper friends who come to his matches, travel to see him play, the music industry. I think that he’s done a great job of putting American tennis on the map … and kind of making it cool again. … It’s always a big opportunity for me and him whenever we play in a moment like this, or any other Americans.”
Shelton and Tiafoe are both seeking their first Grand Slam title.
“Everybody wants that big next Grand Slam or next big moment for an American star,” Shelton said, “but I think the gradual improvement and progression is what’s really going to put Americans more towards the top of the game.”