Hello to today and welcome to the most heated debate in the sports industry with us majoring on the US Open primarily on the double highlighted in the Men’s Singles. Frances Tiafoe and Taylor Fritz have reached the last four, thereby ensuring that the United States will be producing a male champion in the US Open for the first time in the last eighteen years. This definitely has some stories to tell about American tennis and it has certainly created a lot of hype. Today, our panel will debate as to whether this is an actual comeback of men’s tennis in America or just a fluky time in a sport that is clearly overshadowed by foreign talents.
We have three perspectives today: There were three participants: John, our moderator, Lisa who thinks that this is a real revival of American tennis and Michael who believes that this is just another opportunity.
Moderator:
Hi Lisa and Michael, We are glad you joined us today. First off, let me have your name, please, Lisa? You have been very outspoken about how this all-American semifinal between Tiafoe and Fritz is the new age for American men’s tennis. Please explain to us why this you consider as a big deal.
Lisa:
Absolutely, John. This is a monumental moment for American tennis, and here’s why: we must now wait nearly twenty years since an American man has reached the US Open final, and let alone two American men are featured in a semifinal. Tiafoe and Fritz are both young players who have been on the brink for sometimes now and I think this time is their chance. They have been doing extremely well to secure theirpositions, rising through the ranks and now they come to one of the premier leagues on the circuit.
This is not just a case of getting away with it. We have witnessed both players developing in the last few years to become something else. For example, Fritz has been grinding, and he has done it, breaking a run of his Grand Slam quarterfinal losses. Another early contender that was seen was Tiafoe who made it to the semifinal last year. And of course, let’s not forget the young talents such as Tommy Paul and Reilly Opelka into the mix. Such a collective effort demonstrates that the American men’s tennis is heading in the right direction, something which many of us thought we have to rely on single star like Andy Roddick.
Michael:
Well, what you are proposing, Lisa, I agree not fully, but partially, however, I have to say that we still should not think in the terms of revealing the men’s tennis in America rising all over again. Yes, it’s good to have two Americans in the semifinal but we should not forget how they got there. Tiafoe won the match just because his opponent (Kukushkin) succumbed to injury after losing his service game 5-6. From the side of the Comets, Dimitrov whose match ended abruptly due to injury was not in his best form. To some extent, it can be recalled that Tiafoe himself stated that he did not have a preferred manner of defeating Tsitsipas. And Fritz? Yeah, he reached the semis, but he still can’t handle it sometimes and his record confronting with top opponents is not very good.
Well, buddy, first of all, I have no problem with enjoying the victory, but this is not quite for me the question of revival Exactly. It is time to discuss one of the semifinal matches between two Americans — That is the first in the last thirteen years! The international field is still much stronger As it can also be seen from the above gures, the international students are much more active in the international field than the domestic students in the Chinese universities. Currently in tennis it is other players like Djokovic, Alcaraz, Medvedev and so on who are real powerhouses. Let not the scenario of American players dominate the championships but those players stand tall winners; only then we can say, it is now turning round.
Moderator:
Interesting points, Michael. Lisa, how do you feel about Michael’s reasoning that this more closer to one shot event rather than making a point that American men’s tennis is making a comeback?
Lisa:
To some extent, Michael seems to have some good points but I still do not agree. And even if we are to consider Tiafoe’s win a mere fluke because of the injury that befell Dimitrov, the general picture is still clear as day. And sadly this is the reality of the situation The less privileged youth are here, the are young and defiant. They are challenging each other to raise the bar which is something that was absent in the American tennis for quite sometime. But Tiafoe will to talk about it himself and there is a true brotherhood and rivalry among this group of talented players.
Yes, they still have to prove it against the best teams in the world but every legend begins with the legendary moment. This could be theirs. And it’s not only its winners and stars such as Tiafoe and Fritz. They are still out there supported by a good pool of talent that is coming through well. It’s about creating that momentum, and that, I believe, is already in the making.
Michael:
Yeah, I know that Lisa, but somehow it feels like we are forcing ourselves to be ahead. Forgetting and understanding that it’s not the story of one or two persons to rise to the top, just as well. Consider how Djokovic or Nadal were ruling and have been ruling the sport for the last two decades that means it is all about consistent performance in the sport of Tennis at the pinnacle level. It is clear that American players have a long way to go in order to get closer to that type of consistency and playing domination. They are improving that is for sure, but I believe it is still a tad premature to speak of a renaissance.
Moderator:
Quite a number of good points that have been presented by both teams. Having said that, there is much to look forward to in this all-American semifinal but at the same time there are factors that should make one proceed with caution when talking about a true comeback. This is something that has to be wait to see how it will be in the semifinals and the finals. Both of your input is appreciated and we will remain vigilant and attentive to how it goes.