Drought: US men brace for more misery

NEW YORK: The 2014 US Open begins Monday with American men seeking to end a Grand Slam drought now more than a decade long. The signs, however, are not promising.

Andy Roddick’s 2003 US Open triumph marks the last time an American man hoisted a Grand Slam trophy.

For a nation that has produced 51 men’s major winners in the Open era – more than twice as many as any other country – it’s a baffling lack of success.

For America’s current number one, 15th-ranked John Isner, it’s not something to dwell on as the final Grand Slam of the year approaches.

Isner’s nearest US rival is Donald Young, who is the second-ranked American at 46th in the world.

Steve Johnson has also squeezed into the top 50 as the US Open approaches, at number 49, while 21-year-old Jack Sock is at 55th.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 21^st, 2014.

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