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US Open 2017: Players under the most pressure on the men’s draw

By Maxwell Ogden

MASON, OH - AUGUST 20: Nick Kyrgios of Australia Grigor Dimitrov of Bulgaria poses for photographers at the trophy ceremony during the men's final on day 9 of the Western & Southern Open at the Lindner Family Tennis Center on August 20, 2017 in Mason, Ohio. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
MASON, OH - AUGUST 20: Nick Kyrgios of Australia Grigor Dimitrov of Bulgaria poses for photographers at the trophy ceremony during the men's final on day 9 of the Western & Southern Open at the Lindner Family Tennis Center on August 20, 2017 in Mason, Ohio. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images) /
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BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA – APRIL 05: (L-R) Sam Querrey, John Isner, Jack Sock and Steve Johnson of the USA pose for a photo before the official dinner at GOMA ahead of the Davis Cup World Group Quarterfinal match between Australia and the USA on April 5, 2017 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)
BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA – APRIL 05: (L-R) Sam Querrey, John Isner, Jack Sock and Steve Johnson of the USA pose for a photo before the official dinner at GOMA ahead of the Davis Cup World Group Quarterfinal match between Australia and the USA on April 5, 2017 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images) /

2. The Americans

This may not be specific to any one player, but the American men have a golden opportunity. 2017 has been an excellent year, as droughts have ended, ATP titles have been won, and the future has revealed itself on significant stages.

With Novak Djokovic, Kei Nishikori, and Stan Wawrinka sidelined, and countless other Top 10 players banged up, this may be the Americans’ best opportunity to send a message.

No American male has won a Grand Slam event since Andy Roddick won the 2003 US Open. Sam Querrey broke a different type of drought, however, when he became the first American man to reach a Grand Slam semifinal since 2009.

Querrey’s run at Wimbledon 2017 was nothing short of delightful, but in order for it to become a stepping stone, someone will need to capitalize on it.

John Isner has risen up the ATP rankings to No. 14 overall, and Jack Sock isn’t far behind at No. 17. Querrey checks in at No. 21, which gives the United States three players who are in a good enough position to potentially make a deep run.

Other players, including Jared Donaldson, Ryan Harrison, Steve Johnson, and Frances Tiafoe, will be looked at as dark horses. The truth is: Who specifically makes the run isn’t so important.

The American men need to make a deep enough push to give young tennis fans in the U.S something to believe in—and create new enthusiasts and future players in the process.

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