U.S. Tennis Awaits a Potential End to Men's Grand Slam Drought

The semi-final match between Taylor Fritz and Frances Tiafoe at the U.S. Open could bring the U.S. its first men's Grand Slam title in 21 years. The USTA's revamped player development program is showing results, and camaraderie among players is stronger than ever.

Whether Taylor Fritz or Frances Tiafoe win Friday's semi-final clash at the U.S. Open, the match will give the host nation plenty to shout about as one of them will get a shot at finally ending the United States' 21-year men's Grand Slam drought.

The American women have been the torchbearers for years, with younger stars like Coco Gauff taking over as Serena Williams concluded her career with 23 major victories. However, no American male has secured a Grand Slam title since Andy Roddick's triumph 21 years ago at Flushing Meadows, a drought frustrating for U.S. fans accustomed to historic success from legends like Jimmy Connors, John McEnroe, and Andre Agassi.

With Tiafoe and Fritz facing off on Friday, a U.S. man will play in a major final for the first time since Roddick's loss to Roger Federer at Wimbledon in 2009. 'It's a validation of the strategy over the last 15 years,' said Martin Blackman, who became general manager of USTA Player Development in 2015.

The USTA revamped its player development program in 2008, beginning with junior players, and the recent performances show the investment was worth it, according to Blackman. 'There's so much work that's gone into it from the ground up,' he said.

Tiafoe and Fritz, who came up through USTA camps, are close friends and rivals. Fritz is the son of former top-10 player Kathy May, and Tiafoe's inspiring story as the son of a war refugee adds to the narrative. Other top American players like Tommy Paul and Reilly Opelka also came up through USTA camps, fostering strong camaraderie among them.

'These players want to beat each other, they want to be the best American, but they really like each other,' Blackman said. 'And if one of them loses, then they're pulling for the other, and that's a beautiful thing.'

(With inputs from agencies.)