Which Americans have the best shot at clay success?

Americans tennis stars might liken the European clay-court tour to be the gruelling purgatory found in Dante’s Inferno. They’re often separated from their upbringing of clean, quick-strike power on level, blue hard courts. Instead, they must battle with stained socks, endless rallies and bad bounces on fickle, crushed brick dust.

With important upcoming ATP and WTA stops at Monte Carlo, Stuttgart, Madrid, Rome and Paris, which Americans have the best chance to go a few rounds and compete for titles?

7

The 20-year-old is ready to make his ATP main-draw debut on clay. His potential puts him ahead of veterans Sam Querrey, Steve Johnson and Donald Young who have had more bouts of futility than success on red clay. Donaldson is becoming a steadier player, up to No. 73 in the rankings, and his hard work, improved movement and tougher mentality will balance the edge he built by training for a few of his teenager years on clay in Argentina. Is he ready to elbow his way into big clay-court draws?

6

Charleston’s hometown hero reminded fans last week (albeit on green Har-Tru clay) that she is the rare American whose best success has come on clay. Her major breakthrough so far has been a run to the 2016 French Open quarterfinals. Rogers has a lot of strength and grit to battle in long rallies on red clay, and her past success could continue to make her a thorn in the sides of the biggest stars.

5

The veteran remains the only player to play a five-set match against Rafael Nadal at the French Open (2011), and he defeated Roger Federer on clay in 2012 Davis Cup action. As always, he lives on the edge with breakpoint bingo in tiebreakers, so a little luck and timing could be necessary for him to augment his powerful serve. Though a tried and true hard-court player, his serve should help bail him out of long rallies in the coming weeks.

4

After a terrific start to 2017 on hard courts, Venus could make a deep run at Rome or the French Open. She hasn’t reached the quarterfinals at Roland Garros since 2006, but her championship-winning resume and power make her dangerous in any draw. Grinding from the baseline against a deep field is more difficult for the aging legend, but the Australian Open finalist is playing well enough to be a huge threat. She'll certainly have the experience over most of the field, having won her first clay title back in 1999.

3

Although Sock has prototypical American serve and power he’s also uniquely crafted to succeed on clay. He likes surfaces that produce bigger hops, and his forehand spin is a wicked weapon that drives opponents deep. In 2015, he took a set off Rafael Nadal in the fourth round of the French Open. Does he have enough defensive footwork, can his backhand keep evolving and will he have the energy to keep playing high-level tennis on clay?

2

In 2016, Keys broke though on clay by reaching the Rome final and the French Open fourth round. She’s certainly capable of winning a title on clay if she is in the zone, and healthy. The American has similar stature and athleticism to 2016 French Open champion Garbine Muguruza, but it’s a tale of two cultures. Keys was nurtured on hard courts with powerful, flat strokes, while the Spaniard’s upbringing was on red clay, big hops and awesome spin.

1

Clay is Serena’s weakest surface if only because fast surfaces are more suited to her powerful game. Of her 23 Grand Slam titles, three have come in Paris.  The 35-year-old will eb the favorite to win her fourth French Open title if she has recovered from her knee injury that caused her to miss Indian Wells and Miami. Will she have her best health and energy to hit through the field? The chances are good.