The final Grand Slam event of the tennis year is upon us, and it brings with it the end of two illustrious American careers. Pete Sampras announced his retirement on Monday before a ceremony in Arthur Ashe Stadium. During his career, Sampras won 14 Grand Slam singles titles to become one of the most decorated men’s tennis players in history.
Michael Chang, who made a name for himself when he won the French Open in 1989, also announced that he will be concluding his pro career after the U.S. Open. He was the youngest Grand Slam men’s singles champion at 17 years and three months. However, the U.S. Open is the tournament on his mind. “If I had a choice to win one more, it would be this one,” said Chang. “This is our home Grand Slam. I’ve got a lot of friends and family here. It’s the only tournament that I will have played 17 straight times in my career.”
Both Serena and Venus Williams will be missing the Open this year for the first time since they both joined the pro tour. Venus pulled out of the tournament last week with a stomach muscle strain. Serena underwent knee surgery which will keep her off the courts. With both Serena and Sampras out of the tournament, it is the first time since 1971 that neither defending champion is playing.
Without the defending champions competing, the tournament is open to many other contenders. Americans Andre Agassi, seeded first, and Andy Roddick, seeded fourth, are two players to watch during the next two weeks. Agassi is the one remaining man from a generation of dominant American tennis. Roddick has a tough road ahead of him with some tough matches. The second seed and current Wimbledon champion, Roger Federer, will also be an interesting player to watch. Australian Mark Philippoussis, fresh off his finals appearance at Wimbledon, will rely on his huge serve to make it back to the finals.
Belgians Kim Clijsters and Justine Henin-Hardenne, seeded first and second respectively, have an easier road ahead of them now that Venus has joined her sister on the sidelines. There is still a great contingent of American talent on the court, however. Lindsay Davenport and Jennifer Capriati are both seeded in the top ten and have a real chance to win the Open. Davenport won the U.S. Open in 1998 and will do her best to repeat this feat in her 13th appearance in the Open. Capriati has started to enjoy more success at the Open in recent years with both a quarterfinal and semifinal finish in her last two appearances.
Other notable American men include Mardy Fish and James Blake. Up and coming American women include Meghann Shaughnessy and Ashley Harkleroad. This year will be a breakout year for Americans at the U.S. Open.
