“We’re heading places now,” John McEnroe encouraged by the resurgence of American men’s tennis featuring Tommy Paul, Bryan Shelton and Frances Tiafoe

John McEnroe is encouraged by the resurgence of American men’s tennis in the past year. The likes of Tommy Paul, Ben Shelton and Sebastian Korda have all done a fine job at the Australian Open 2023. Tommy Paul has quite possibly had the best run of his Grand Slam career, as he has booked a place in the semifinals in Melbourne.

Sebastian Korda also managed to reach the quarterfinals, whereas, Ben Shelton has grabbed all headlines with his sensational run in Melbourne. The last American male to win a Grand Slam Singles title was Andy Roddick in 2003. Joh McEnroe believes that the long drought could be coming to an end, as American tennis is finally headed in the right direction.

“I’m happy for Tommy Paul, he’s figured out how to win on the tour. He’s got himself incredibly fit and with Shelton there’s help for America now – god bless America! Over the next 18 months you’re going to see a couple of these guys, Shelton, Tiafoe and we’re heading places now – we are finally going to win one!,“ said McEnroe.

Also read: “Only my injuries are questioned,” Novak Djokovic hits back at critics over hamstring injury row at 2023 Australian Open

“I didn’t realise how good this kid was,” John McEnroe on Ben Shelton

Ben Shelton’s dream run at Australian Open 2023 came to a conclusion as he was handed a four set defeat by Tommy Paul in the quarterfinals. Just like several other tennis pundits, John McEnroe was left stunned by the 20-year-old’s ability on-court. The tennis legend believes that Ben Shelton could be among the best in the world in the coming years.

“I didn’t realise how good this kid was. I saw him a little bit at the US Open, he was a work in progress. But he’s come a long way. This guy, to me, has a chance – we often talk hyperbole – but this guy’s got everything. He’s got personality, he’s got game, and I think he’s going to be in the top five in the world in a couple of years,” said Shelton.

Frances Tiafoe also came close to winning a Major title last season, as he reached the semifinals of US Open 2022. His Australian Open 2023 run came to premature end losing to Karen Khachanov in four sets in the third round. Another American, Sebastian Korda scripted the upset of the tournament, as he stormed past Daniil Medvedev in straight sets in the fourth round. With the current depth and quality in American men’s tennis, it is safe to say that it is only a matter of time before the 20-year-long American dream is realized.

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