Former Wimbledon winner doesn’t rate American men’s chances at US Open

James Richardson 14 Aug 2023 7:44 PM

Taylor Fritz in action

A former Wimbledon winner has given the American men chasing US Open singles glory little chance of ending their Grand Slam duck.

Not since 2003 has an American man been crowned as Grand Slam champion, with Andy Roddick the last to lift a trophy.

With two players in the top ten, it seems that US Men’s tennis is the strongest it has been for some time.

However, Frederik Lochte Nielsen would be surprised if an American man walks away with the title.

Nielsen feels that Taylor Fritz is solid but will struggle to beat any players ranked in the top five in the world.

“I’m not too optimistic about Taylor Fritz when it comes to facing the top five players,” Nielsen told SpilXperten.

“Of course, he can beat them on a given day, and he’ll likely go far in the tournament because he’s comfortable on the American hardcourts.”

“But it would really surprise me if he wins. I don’t have high expectations for him as a player, even though he possesses many qualities and has performed well.

“I feel he needs to add more to his game before he can compete for Grand Slam titles.”

Nielsen believes that current American No 2 Frances Tiafoe is better placed to make a splash at the Slam.

“I don’t necessarily think Taylor Fritz is better than Frances Tiafoe. I believe Tiafoe has a bit more to offer,” Nielsen added.

“Taylor Fritz is a good player with a strong top-level game, but it’s in one gear, and there isn’t much variation.”

While Nielsen believes Tiafoe could make a an impact at Flushing Meadows he still doesn’t believe that he can go all the way and win the US Open.

In his opinion, Tiafoe just isn’t consistent enough to topple the best players in the world across multiple rounds.

“I think he has been consistently improving throughout his career so far,” Nielsen continued.

“I still think he lacks some consistency to compete in seven consecutive matches, especially in the best-of-five-set format.”

“His top-level game is undoubtedly good, but his baseline level may be a bit fluctuating.

“But someone like him, who is consistently improving, performs well at home and thrives on the energy from the audience, so we shouldn’t underestimate Frances Tiafoe.

“In modern tennis, almost anyone can compete with anyone. It’s no longer a big surprise when top players get eliminated in the first round, as it might have been in the past.”

“It requires a lot of concentration from all players nowadays.”

“However, until I see more of him, I believe there are others ahead of him in the race for the title.”

Of the other American players, Nielsen believes that Christopher Eubanks is the standout.

“I believe Chris Eubanks can build on his excellent performances,” he said.

“If there’s pressure, I don’t think it’ll be a major challenge for him. In fact, I think he’ll thrive on it.”

“His main challenge will be that he’s a player who relies on being in the zone. He sets high ambitions, and he’s not the type to grind out matches. He wins everything on his own racket.

“Perhaps he’s not yet as consistent as the very best. So his challenge will likely be to avoid going in and winning 6-3, 6-2, and 6-3 matches, so he can save energy for later in the tournament.”

Despite his excitement at Eubanks prospects, Nielsen wouldn’t back him to reach the last eight at a Grand Slam again after his Wimbledon heroics.

“However, when he’s at his best, when his serve is firing, and he’s inspired, he’s uncomfortable for all opponents,” Nielsen added.

“If he has momentum, there’s no reason why he can’t deliver good results, but I would be surprised if he reaches the quarterfinals again.”

“He’s not immediately in my top eight, but who knows? The draw might open up positively for him.”