With the retiring of Rafter and the aging of the ageless Todd Martin, the disappearance of the exciting Michael Chang, and the depreciation of the greatest slam winner of all time, Pete Sampras, men's tennis in the United States especially, is on the brink of some tough years ahead. With only Andre Agassi the only american star and perhaps soon to fade (although he is still very successful), the men's game is starting to lose fans interest.
But as depressing as it seems, men's tennis will look to a future star in the young 19 year old Andy Roddick. In his first year he took the tour by storm by winning a tournament in Houston as well as defeating the great Pete Sampras. Roddick brings flair and youth to the game, as well as his monstrous serves that leaves his opponents scrambling to catch up. Roddick is the next american tennis hopeful that you can expect to hear about more in the near future. But what about a rival?
Look no futhur then Aussie sensation Lleyton Hewitt. Just a year older, than Roddick, yet this young groundstroke master has already won the US Open (defeat Roddick the semis) and won the 2002 Wimbledon by staying afloat after all the top seeds were upset. Hewitt has serious tennis skills and the speed and athleticsm that right now makes him arguably the best player on the tour.
All that needs to happen now is the success of Andy Roddick. Critics can say the men's game is on a downfall, but with young stars in Roddick and Hewitt, and perhaps a brewing rivalry, the men's game will once again be on the map.There still are top players such as Agassi, Safin, Haas, and many other new comers to the game. So while the women's game might have the star power that the mens' dont, the men definetely has the depth. The wide open feel should be looked upon as positive and not negative for tennis.