In the online version of Tennis Briefs Bob Larson recently reported that Patrick McEnroe, former director of player development for USTA, said that he believes the current gang of teenagers is a good reason for optimism. In other words, McEnroe expects to see American juniors dominate the Grand Slams in the not-to-distant future.
McEnroe was correct, at least as it pertains to the French Open Junior Championships.
Eight of the 64 boys were Americans – of which Tommy Paul and Harry Taylor Fritz met in the finals. Paul was the upset winner.
William Blumberg was ousted in the first round and Alex Rybakov, Ulises Blanch and Nathan Ponwith won their initial matches before losing in the second round.
The remaining four players won their matches in the round of 16. Reilly Opelka was defeated in the quarterfinals and Michael Mmoh was ousted in the semifinals. Three of the four semifinalists were Americans.
Overall the American boys were 21-7.
There were also eight American girls. The following four girls lost in the first round: Raveena Kingsley, Sofia Kenin, Francesca Dilorenzo, and Michaela Gordon. After winning her first match Usue Maltane Arconada was defeated in the second round.
Carolyn Dolehide won two matches before losing in the third round and Katherine Steward was defeated in the fourth round.
The last American girl standing was C.C. Bellis. She won four matches before bowing out in the semifinals.
Overall the American girls were 10-8.
Hats off to the American Juniors. Hopefully Patrick McEnroe is correct and we will see American juniors dominate the Grand Slams for many years to come.