“Insanity is doing something over and over and expecting different results.” – attributed to Albert Einstein.
Unfortunately, this saying applies to the USTA’s player development program, particularly on the men’s side.
Sixteen American men were entered in the 2015 U.S. Open. The group included a handful of up-and-coming juniors; however, the majority were the same American men who are excellent players who have had lackluster performances in the Grand Slams.
Those who exited the tournament after first round losses included:
• Tommy Paul
• Tim Smyczek
• Steve Johnson
• Ryan Shane
• Frances Tiafoe
• Ryan Harrison
• Bjorn Fratangelo
• Denis Kudla
• Sam Querrey
• Jared Donaldson
Second round losers included:
• Mardy Fish
• Jack Sock
• Rajeev Ram
• Austin Krajicek.
After two rounds only Donald Young and John Isner remained.
As a junior Donald Young was billed as the next Arthur Ashe. Unfortunately, he has never lived up to that billing, typically losing in the first round of most Grand Slams. This was his best showing in a Grand Slam since 2011. Young’s singles record at the U.S. Open has been 9-11.
Since 2010 John Isner has been a consistent performer, usually winning two or three matches before bowing out. Isner’s previous best at the U.S. Open came in 2011 when he reached the quarterfinals. Isner’s career record at the U.S. Open has been 21-9.
Young and Isner won their third round matches, but lost in the fourth round to Wawrinka and Federer, respectively.
To put things in perspective, Roger Federer has been 85-10 at the 2015 U.S. Open, prior to this year’s event.
Overall, the 16 American men won 10 matches and lost 16 at this year’s event.
On a positive note, the American juniors have dominated play in the U.S. Juniors Open; however, the new general manager of USTA Player Development, Martin Blackman, has been quick to temper expectations for the juniors.
The bottom line … It is tough to develop strong juniors. It is even more difficult to train strong juniors who can make the transition to the professional game and compete and win Grand Slam events.
We’ll see if the latest change by the USTA puts an end to the insanity known as USTA Player Development.