On the eve of the US Open, VF catches up with the next generation of star players.
is filled with the boldest of boldface names—trailblazers and superstars such as Althea Gibson, Arthur Ashe, Billie Jean King, Stan Smith, and Chris Evert among many, many others who reached the heights of global fame and renown.
Their contrasts in styles, personalities, and paths to greatness commanded unrelenting coverage and a place in popular culture until the ’00s introduced two Williams sisters from Compton, California, who first challenged, then dominated, and ultimately transformed the sport in their own image—Venus becoming the activist heir to Billie Jean King, and Serena ascending to dizzying celebrity heights.
After decades of hand-wringing about who would take up the mantle, their heirs are now coming into their own. The current field of American pro tennis players is the most exciting, talented, and varied we’ve seen in decades—men and women alike. Both tours’ deep benches are dominating the sport’s competitions, and the global sport closest to paying men and women equally for their efforts is benefiting doubly for it.
But easily my favorite part about this new crop is their swagger. Their lack of baggage. Their feeling that American tennis history is just that—history. And their determination to write themselves into it. Behind the scenes at the French Open in Paris,FRANCES TIAFOE
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