Below is an excerpt from Blog 172 (MAESTRO).  The French Open always highlights (1) lack of American men who can play on clay and (2) Dropshots.   No exceptions in 2019.  Read all of blog 172.   Bring back Charlie Owens. “This also makes me wonder about the upward evolution of the game, and who will achieve the next level. Djokovic has almost perfected “corner to corner” baseline strategy. One thing that does seem to be growing in effectiveness is the drop shot. The old adage that “you can’t drop shot on a hard court” is being tested more at the top level. There are four corners on each side of the court. Two are up at the net. The only player I have seen who could hit a un-returnable drop-shot from the base line was Charlie Owens. Many watched Charlie dismantle quality players with a disguised, feather like drop shot that confounded even great players. Maybe there is someone coming along with this unique touch, who combined with the other tennis skills needed will produce the next level in the never ending evolution of tennis. Women players might be well advised to note this possibility. And to be aware that not only should she be able to hit drop shots, she must be able to defend against them. My guess is that many players and teachers have realized there are four corners on each side of a tennis court.”  (2016)

How many men and women players in the 2023 French Open tennis tournament played American college tennis at some time?

There were a total of 11 men and women players in the 2023 French Open tennis tournament who played American college tennis at some time. Men:

• Sebastian Korda (University of Southern California)
• Jack Sock (University of Nebraska)
• Taylor Fritz (Texas A&M University)
• Tommy Paul (University of Georgia)
• Brandon Nakashima (University of California, Berkeley)
• Marcos Giron (University of Southern California)
• Denis Kudla (University of Virginia)
• Steve Johnson (University of Southern California)
• Frances Tiafoe (University of Maryland)
• Michael Mmoh (University of Southern California)

Women:

• Sloane Stephens (University of Florida)
• Madison Keys (University of Illinois)
• Coco Gauff (University of Georgia)
• Danielle Collins (University of Florida)
• Alison Riske (University of Florida)
• Christina McHale (Princeton University)

It is worth noting that some of these players may have only played American college tennis for a short period of time, or may have transferred from another school. Additionally, some of these players may have also played professional tennis before or after their time i GIANT STEPS!

• Co Co wins !!! Semi finalist–Madison, Ben –Big Foe in quarters. Sloane Stephens, Chris Eubanks, Michael Mmoh, On Arthur’s court ! Yeah Serena, Venus and Richard Williams and to the black families that paid a big price in a difficult arena. And yet– how many atypical superstars could have made the leap with a college scholarship awarded to an international?

• Why not empasize high school tennis as it is the only place an average kid can get inexpensive, invaluable , match play experience? Can’t we find good coaches for our kids?
• Technology in coaching! Heard of SWING/VISION?