American tennis is in the spotlight right now.
American tennis history is filled with the boldest of boldface names—trailblazers and superstars such as Althea Gibson, Arthur Ashe, Billie Jean King, Stan Smith, and Chris Evert among many, many others who reached the heights of global fame and renown. While each generation had its own heroes, it wasn’t until the ’90s, when an explosion of talent and personality brought us Andre Agassi, Pete Sampras, Jim Courier, Todd Martin, and Michael Chang, that a whole cohort of Americans dominated the global stage at the same time.
Their contrasts in styles, personalities, and paths to greatness commanded unrelenting coverage and a place in popular culture until the ’00s introduced two Williams sisters from Compton, California, who first challenged, then dominated, and ultimately transformed the sport in their own image—Venus becoming the activist heir to Billie Jean King, and Serena ascending to dizzying celebrity heights. They have largely evolved away from playing just as recreational participation and interest in the professional realms are on the cusp of surpassing the glory days of the ’80s.
After decades of hand-wringing about who would take up the mantle, their heirs are now coming into their own. The current field of American pro tennis players is the most exciting, talented, and varied we’ve seen in decades—men and women alike. Both tours’ deep benches are dominating the sport’s competitions, and the global sport closest to paying men and women equally for their efforts is benefiting doubly for it.
But easily my favorite part about this new crop is their swagger. Their lack of baggage. Their feeling that American tennis history is just that—history. And their determination to write themselves into it. Behind the scenes at the French Open in Paris, VF surveyed the rising stars of American tennis as they headed into another spectacular season.
Article courtesy of Vanity Fair:
https://www.vanityfair.com/style/2023/08/american-tennis-has-never-been-hotter
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