The US men’s tennis team has not seen a Grand Slam win in over a decade, but this year’s crop of players may bring an end to the drought. With stars like Taylor Fritz and Ben Shelton leading the charge, it’s time to look at who might break the curse.
Over the past two decades, American professional tennis has followed a similar trajectory to international soccer teams: The women are thriving, while men can’t quite make the leap. However, this year marks a shift in fortunes for American women and men alike. With Madison Keys and Coco Gauff winning major titles recently, the future looks bright for American tennis.
The men’s team, on the other hand, has struggled to replicate success. Since Andy Roddick won the 2003 US Open, no American man has clinched a Grand Slam title. While it was difficult for players like Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal to succeed during their primes, the current crop of talented Americans might finally break through.
Ben Shelton and Taylor Fritz are two American men who have the potential to make a deep run at the US Open. Shelton’s monster serve and forehand make him a force to be reckoned with, but he still needs to work on his consistency. Fritz, the current ATP number four player, has an impressive track record but struggles against top-level players like Sinner and Alcaraz.
Tommy Paul is another American man who could cause problems for top players. With his smooth all-court game and athleticism, he’s a joy to watch. However, his lack of power and injury history hold him back from reaching his full potential.
Frances Tiafoe, Alex Michelsen, Learner Tien, and Sebastian Korda round out the list of American men who could potentially break the Grand Slam curse. While each player has their strengths and weaknesses, there’s a glimmer of hope that an American man will win a major title this year.
As for non-American players worth watching, Alexander Bublik is a talented but mentally fragile player who could pose a threat to anyone on tour. Joao Fonseca is a Brazilian phenom with incredible power and potential. Corentin Moutet is the type of player nobody wants to face due to his unorthodox playing style and fits of rage. Victoria Mboko, a Canadian teenager, has an impressive record in women’s tennis and could cause problems for anyone on her side of the draw.
The US men’s tennis team may finally break the Grand Slam drought this year, but it will depend on individual performances from these talented players. With so much talent and potential on display, it’s time to look forward to a brighter future for American men’s tennis.
Source: https://www.theringer.com/2025/08/22/tennis/us-open-draw-tennis-2025-american-mens-curse-drought