One country invented the game, and the other dominated it for the better part of a century. Together they started the Davis Cup. But in 2010, the U.S. and England reached new and unwelcome tennis milestones, each indicative of a power on the decline. Or, in the case of England, at rock bottom. For the first time in Wimbledon’s 133-year history, the home country did not place a single entrant in the men’s draw. Later in the summer, it was the U.S.’ turn to make a little unhappy history. When Andy Roddick fell out of the Top 10 in August, it marked the first time since the computer rankings began in 1973 that the country had no representative in that elite group. With the 28-year-old Roddick possibly fading, and the next generation— John Isner and Sam Querrey—stuck near the 20 spot, it might be a while before this country finds its place again at the top of the men’s game. But there may be some temporary help on the way. Mardy Fish, also 28, had a career year in 2010 and made the Top 10 his goal for next season.
Originally published in the November/December 2010 issue of TENNIS.
2010 Aces & Faults
—Sock Hopping: Sock goes from high school to pros
—After the Hype, Miller Doesn't Bode Well: Skier tries tennis, again
—Booted: The story of Serena's injured foot
—Match of the Year: The Isner-Mahut Wimbledon epic
—Unwelcome Milestones: American mens' struggles
—Gone...And Back Again: Querrey's quick turnaround
—Swimming the Channel: Rafa does the clay-grass double
—Biggest Disappointment: Dinara Safina
—All in a Day's Work: Blake's beef with Shriver
—Coach of the Year: Hernan Gumy
—Seizing the Clay: Schiavone's unlikely title run
—Struck Out: Soderling ends Federer's semifinal streak
—Comeback, Interrupted: Henin's return cut short
—Wayne's Shame: Odesnik caught with HGH
—Dee Worst, Judge Says: The world's worst player
—Most Improved: Sam Stosur
—Player of the Year: Rafael Nadal
—Newcomer of the Year: Larry Ellison