With Wimbledon over and a huge gap left for tennis fans to endure, already attention has turned to the US Open.
After all, whilst there is obviously plenty of interest in the Olympics, it kind of does not come close to the Grand Slams, which are all steeped in tradition.
Travelling to New York, this particular major is one of the more raucous atmospheres in tennis, with the Arthur Ashe Stadium the biggest tennis-specific arena in the world.
They will be hoping to use that vast crowd to cheer on an American winner.
Nick Kyrgios makes prediction for American tennis
Speaking to the BBC ahead of yesterday’s Wimbledon final, Nick Kyrgios actually sought to look ahead to the upcoming Grand Slam and final one of the year.
However, given this is an Olympic year, we have a much busier gap between the two majors, with players the world over set to clash in Paris for the coveted gold medal before swapping the clay for hard courts.
The Australian, though, was full of praise for the American contingent who will be seeking to succeed across these imminent events.
Nothing compares to their home slam though, and Kyrgios would detail those who he fancies to enjoy a deep run: ‘Yeah I think with the US Open and the US hard court swing coming I think Tiafoe has had some great memories at the US Open. Semi-final against Alcaraz, that match was insane.
‘Tommy Paul and Taylor Fritz are ones to look out for, obviously Fritz didn’t have the answers against Musetti but I think he was probably… He’s a more dominant player and when he finds that ability to move forward and close out points I think that he’ll start figuring out how to make deeper runs at Grand Slams.
‘American tennis right now is probably as strong as I’ve ever seen it, great depth. They’ve got some Grand Slam contenders. Tommy Paul is making his way in all the time to the second week. Ben Shelton as well, he’s box office. I think looking forward he can light up the United States.
‘I’ve got my eye on those guys for sure.’
Who will win the men’s US Open?
Whilst it is always romantic to dream of an American taking the men’s title in New York, which would likely send the home crowd into raptures, the fact of the matter is that a US male has not won a Grand Slam since Andy Roddick in 2003, when he tasted victory at the US Open.
The likelihood of any of those aforementioned standing up and making a good run at things are unlikely, especially when they will face such fierce competition.
Carlos Alcaraz is the outstanding man to beat, having won the last two Grand Slams, whilst a fully-fit Jannik Sinner just does not lose this year.
This duo dumped out Shelton, Paul and Tiafoe, whilst Fritz failed to overcome Lorenzo Musetti in the quarter-finals at Wimbledon.
There is every chance that any of these American stars might go far, but they will have to have the match of their lives, likely twice, to take the title.
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