It’s been over two decades since an American man lifted a Grand Slam singles trophy—a staggering drought that has left fans and experts alike wondering: Who will finally break the curse? Sam Querrey, a former Wimbledon semifinalist, believes he has the answer.
In a recent podcast appearance, Querrey boldly declared that Taylor Fritz is the American player most likely to end this 20-year dry spell. But here’s where it gets controversial: Fritz, despite reaching the US Open final in 2024, has since slipped in the rankings and is no longer the top-ranked American. So, why does Querrey still back him?
The answer lies in Fritz’s mindset. Querrey highlights Fritz’s unshakable self-belief, stating, ‘If you ask Fritz who the best player in the world is, he might say Taylor Fritz.’ This mental fortitude, Querrey argues, is what sets Fritz apart—even as younger stars like Ben Shelton and Tommy Paul challenge his dominance. Shelton, in particular, is hot on Fritz’s heels, with Querrey noting, ‘He’s got a little more firepower in his game.’ But for now, Querrey remains convinced: ‘For me, it’s still Fritz.’
And this is the part most people miss: Fritz’s journey hasn’t been without hurdles. Struggling with tendonitis in his knee, he’s faced setbacks, including a recent injury scare just days before the 2026 Australian Open. Yet, Querrey believes Fritz’s mental toughness will carry him through adversity. ‘If there’s someone who can play through pain, it’s him,’ Querrey said.
But let’s not forget the bigger picture: Since Andy Roddick’s 2003 US Open victory, only three American men—including Roddick himself—have reached a Grand Slam final. Andre Agassi was one, and Fritz is the most recent. This scarcity of success raises a thought-provoking question: Is American men’s tennis in crisis, or is this just a temporary slump?
Here’s where you come in: Do you agree with Querrey’s pick of Fritz, or do you think Shelton, Paul, or another rising star has a better shot? And what do you think is holding American men back on the global stage? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s spark a debate!
