In the build-up to the US Open, much of the talk has been about what’s not been done here at the US Open, for the past two decades.

Andy Roddick remains the last American man to win a slam title – here at Flushing Meadows – and the former world No 1 has been discussing his own career in fascinating interviews over the past few days.

Trying to emulate Roddick and the other American men who went before is a tough task but Frances Tiafoe, one of those chasing a first Grand Slam title, believes it will happen, sooner or later.

Slice skills are

Tiafoe and Alcaraz said forget the topspin! pic.twitter.com/M5c4LSbtFs

— US Open Tennis (@usopen) August 23, 2023

“I think obviously the big three had a big thing to say about that for 20 years,” Tiafoe told reporters at Flushing Meadows. “Obviously we still got one of ’em (Novak Djokovic) that seems like, he’s 36, seems like he’s 16, how he’s moving around and stuff.

“I think American tennis is in a great place. Tommy Paul is playing great tennis. (Taylor) Fritz, myself. You have Chris (Eubanks), Ben (Shelton), (Seb) Korda. I think American tennis is in a great place. I think it’s a matter of time, whether it happens here, whether it happens in due time.”

Roddick’s win an inspiration to others

Tiafoe said Roddick’s achievement in winning the title in 2003 was something inspiring him and the other players.

“Obviously what Andy did in ’03 was incredible,” he said. “I think we hear it more than he probably hears it, what he did in ’03. I hope one of us are able to do it. I hope when we do do it, it’s here at the Open. It will be cool. It will be cool.”

Tiafoe reached the semi-finals last year and believes he’s in the kind of shape to do just as well, if not better, this time.

“I’m just super excited, super excited to be out here competing once again,” he said. “Obviously had a huge breakout here last year. It’s been a great season. Been waiting for a good run at a slam, so why not here in 2023? I’m super excited to start on Monday.”