For all the smack that's been talked about the current quality of U.S. tennis, at this year's Wimbledon -- for the first time I can remember -- there is a chance, albeit a small one, that Americans will win every major title at this tournament!
Of course on the women's side it's inevitable -- either Serena or Venus Williams will put the eighteenth Grand Slam trophy on the family mantle later today. But Roddick also has a chance when he takes on Roger Federer on Sunday -- it'll be difficult, as he's only won twice in twenty tries against the world #2 and lost both previous attempts at the finals here, but weirder things have happened.
In doubles too, Serena and Venus will be playing for a title -- today they took out top seeds Cara Black and Liezel Huber, who were only able to manage three games against the seemingly unstoppable duo. They'll take on Australians Samantha Stosur and Rennae Stubbs a few hours after their singles match ends.
Another familial doubles team -- twin brothers Bob and Mike Bryan -- will also be going after their second Wimbledon title. They advanced to their fifteenth Grand Slam final without dropping a set in the past two weeks.
And if you want some indication that the future remains bright for the U.S. as well, check out seventeen-year-old Jordan Cox who'll be playing for the Boys' championship against Russia's Andrey Kuznetsov. He took on countryman Devon Britton in the semis, going 16-14 in an eighty-four minute third set. Clearly he's one we'll be talking about in a few years!
So this year at your backyard barbeques and parkside picnics, raise a glass to your country and those men and women (and boys and girls) overseas battling for national pride! It's time we brought a few trophies home!
Happy Fourth!
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