Paris - Three American men have been arriving in Week 2 of the French Open for 30 years. At that time, it was Andre Agassi, Michael Chang and Jim Courier, and everyone won the game at some point.
The trio are Tommy Paul, Ben Shelton and Frances Tiafoe, who were scheduled to have a fourth round at Roland-Garros on Sunday.
"Yes, it's about time," joked Jessica Pegula, who was promoted to at least three women in 16 rounds on Saturday.
Of course, it may not be easy, especially for Shelton, a large left-handed man who played berth in the quarterfinals with Spain’s defending champion Carlos Alcaraz. Paul ranks 12th, Australia's Alexei Popyrin ranked 25th; Tiafoe meets Germany's unseeded Daniel Altmaier.
Due to the Courier and Pete Sampras, there were multiple Americans entering the quarterfinals of Paris in 1996.
Historically, the slower red clay used at the French Open is not particularly friendly to American men. Some of them are simply because they tend to play mostly on hard courts, which rewards tough tennis styles, so they are not used to the patience and footwork they need on the red dirt.
"I do think everyone can play on this surface," Australian Open player Paul said two years ago. "I remind myself that it's just tennis."
But for years, Paul said he was unhappy in the French Open. This comes from the 2015 teenagers who won the event’s Big Three Championship.
"Now I'm here and see it as an opportunity," said Paul, 28, who grew up in North Carolina. “I think all Americans do that.”
In 1999, Agassi was the last American to win a trophy at the French Open - and since then, the country has not had a men's final. Prior to this, it was express delivery in 1991 and 1992. Before that, it was in the Chang-style style in 1989. Until then, you have to go back to Tony Trabert in 1954 and 1955.
American Women have achieved even greater success: 15 singles champions in the Open Age, including 7 by Chris Evert, three by Serena Williams, plus 13 runner-ups, recently by Coco Gauff in 2022.
"It's very important not to worry about what it is, it's not to worry about what it is," said Tiafoe, 27, who reached the semifinals twice at the Hard-Court Us Open, but started his Roland-Garros career with a 0-6 record. "Currently, we're in the French Open and just trying to be elite. That's the point. So, guys just believe it."
Unlike New York, Tiafoe is the focus and fan favorite, a scene he likes - "a lot of expectations; a lot of energy" - Paris, he says, presents "another atmosphere" and "more low-key stuff."
So far, so good.
In the main stadium, Court Philippe-Chhatrier, Shelton's low profile with Alcaraz may not be much. They are currently one of the most gorgeous and funniest athletes in men's tennis.
Alcaraz received seeds at the age of 22, at the same age as Shelton (won the University of Florida's NCAA title), Alcaraz already has four Grand Slam titles, and each has at least one Grand Slam title on the clay at the French Open, the grass at Wimbledon and the hard ground at the U.S. Open.
"It's a really cool opportunity, a very cool experience that hasn't been given or seen in his life." Shelton said he was a semi-finalist at the 2023 U.S. Open, in January at the Australian Open in January, but was played 2-2 in the Roland-Garros before this year. "For me, I would definitely like it and go out and see what I can do because I start getting a certain speed, getting a little traction on this surface and starting to see my best tennis ball. I like to think I'm dangerous when I get to that place."