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TennisFeature
8 Americans with best chance to win the Mutua Madrid Open
TL;DR
No American has won the Mutua Madrid Open since 2014. The article highlights the top American players with the best chances to succeed in this year's tournament.
Key points
- No American has won the Mutua Madrid Open since 2014
- Andre Agassi was the last American man to win in 2002
- American players are at a disadvantage on European clay courts
Mentioned in this story
Andre AgassiSerena Williams
Mutua Madrid Open
It has been a long time since an American man or woman won the ATP/WTA 1000 Mutua Madrid Open. Andre Agassi was the 2002 champion. Serena Williams won in 2013 and 2014.
The American tennis players are typically at a disadvantage during the European clay court season. They do not grow up training on the surface because it is not prevalent in the US.
Which American men and women can push through the 128 player singles draws and be crowned champions at the end of the tournament?
MORE: Carlos Alcaraz wins Laureus World Sports Award while wearing a cast
4 American ATP players to watch
Our best hope on the ATP side is Ben Shelton. He is coming off a big win at the BMW Open last week. Shelton is the first American man to win a 500-level tournament on clay in decades.
Tommy Paul, who won the ATP 250 US Men’s Clay Court Championships in Houston, has high aspirations also.
Learner Tien and Alex Michelsen are the next generation players to watch. The childhood friends are also playing doubles together.
MORE: Where is former WTA World No. 1 and Grand Slam champion Victoria Azarenka
4 American WTA players to watch
Coco Gauff, the reigning champion and last year’s Mutua Madrid Open finalist, is the most likely American woman to win the tournament.
Q&A
When was the last time an American won the Mutua Madrid Open?
The last American to win the Mutua Madrid Open was Serena Williams in 2014.
Which American tennis players are favored to win the Mutua Madrid Open?
The article discusses four American ATP players who have the best chances to win the tournament.
Why do American players struggle on clay courts in Europe?
American players typically face disadvantages on clay courts in Europe because they do not grow up training on this surface, which is less common in the US.
