Tennis Channel analyst Justin Gimelstob tells the Atlanta Journal-Constitution that the reason that no U.S. man has won a major since Andy Roddick was victorious at the 2003 U.S. Open has more to do with the great play of Europeans than it does the lack of talent amongst Americans.
"We just need to recalibrate expectations," Gimelstob said. "I respect that Americans demand to see players competing at the top of the game. There’s no reason to panic to just yet, but there are reasons to be concerned about when the next American Grand Slam singles champion will be. It’s disappointing and problematic."
USTA Player Development chief Patrick McEnroe said he is seeing progress amongst the juniors. "We think it’s working," McEnroe said. "The reality is it will take another four to five years. In the meantime we are helping the Sam Querreys, the Mardy Fishes and the Ryan Harrisons. The real results will probably be in the next three to five years. I think we have a lot of talented and good kids. As a coach, we need to do a better job of coaching and training. There are a lot of kids who are 16, 17, and 18 that can become great tennis players."