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Andre Agassi's former coach Brad Gilbert recently opened up on how Taylor Fritz and Sebastian Korda, among others, are shaping the future of American men's tennis. He made the remark while speaking on Patrick McEnroe's podcast, 'Holding Court with Patrick McEnroe.'
The former players have been cohorts at ESPN for a number of years and provided commentary for the Australian Open 2023 together.
The pair dove deep into the great performances put up by the American men at the 2023 Australian Open. It was a very successful Grand Slam for the Americans, with Tommy Paul making it all the way to the semi-finals, while Sebastian Korda, Ben Shelton, and JJ Wolf, among others, put up great performances.
"Tremendous all the way around," Patrick McEnroe said of their performance.
McEnroe spoke about the presence of three American men, Taylor Fritz, Tommy Paul, and Frances Tiafoe in the ATP top 20 for the first time in a long time.
Brad Gilbert also shared his thoughts on the same and said that having players who are making these deep runs at Grand Slams is amazing.
"Just having players make deep runs in a major for us is exciting," Gilbert adde
He further voiced his thoughts as a fan of the sport and said that having players who have distinct playing styles is novel and great. He also spoke about how earlier all American players would have the same style of play, which included a big serve and a strong forehand. He said he was glad that the current players had more individualistic styles.
"The depth that we have. And each one has their own individuality now, I think is the most exciting," according to the former World No.
Taylor Fritz's Wimbledon 2022 run was the catalyst for American tennis' recent success - Brad Gilbert
Taylor Fritz reached the quarter-finals at Wimbledon last year. He lost to Rafael Nadal in a very closely contested five-set encounter.
Brad Gilbert feels that Fritz reaching the top eight at Wimbledon was the first step in the resurgence of American tennis.
"Taylor getting to the quarters at Wimbledon was the first step," according to Gilbert.
Gilbert contends that Taylor Fritz, Tommy Paul, and Frances Tiafoe foster a sense of healthy competition among themselves.
Patrick McEnroe agreed to the same and said that since they have known each other since childhood, they try to emulate each other's success at every turn.
"Why not me?," is the question they ask themselves according to McEnroe.
Gilbert said that the arrival of younger players like Sebastian Korda, Jensen Brooksby, and Brandon Nakashima forced the aforementioned three to start working harder and playing better.
Brad Gilbert believes they realize that they can't cruise by on tour anymore, which is why they have started working harder.
"I think the best thing for them was Korda, Nakashima and Brooksby," Gilbert said.
Gilbert concluded by saying that the next development he would like to see is who will be the first to reach a Grand Slam final among them.
