The end of an era

By Alan Rubenstein Sports Central Columnist

We likely saw the end of an era at the fortnight known as the 2002 U.S. Open. Pete Sampras and Andre Agassi played in their eighth Gland Slam final, combining to form the oldest final in U.S. Open history. Sampras has beaten Agassi in six of their eight Grand Slam matchups, which includes a 4-1 advantage in Grand Slam finals.

With a 6-3, 6-4, 5-7, 6-4 victory, Sampras extended his Grand Slam record total to 14 career championships.

After an intriguing quarterfinal loss to Sampras, it appears that rising star Andy Roddick is ready to receive the torch for American men's tennis. While the American women have won the last nine Grand Slams (four for Serena Williams, three for Jennifer Capriati, and two for Venus Williams), the last American male other than Sampras or Agassi was Jim Courier's French Open title in 1992.

Roddick, James Blake, and Jan-Michael Gambill appear to have the male contingent pointing in the right direction. Agassi and Sampras both decided not to participate in the USA's loss to France in last month's Davis Cup semifinals, which gave young guns Roddick and Blake a chance to showcase their skills.

Blake, Gambill and Roddick all have had up and down 2002 season. For the second consecutive year at the U.S. Open, Blake pushed top-ranked Lleyton Hewitt to a fifth set before falling. Gambill succumbed to Andre Agassi in the second round.

Roddick is undeniably the brightest young American star. After strong showings at Wimbledon, and the U.S. Open in 2001, Roddick has struggled in 2002, specifically in the slams.

The Davis Cup provided Blake and Roddick, along with Mardy Fish (another young American prodigy) big-match experience. Should Blake, Fish, Gambill and Roddick live up to their potential, the light for the American men will shine bright. Don't forget in about 16-18 years, we can lookout for another possible young American star, Jaden Agassi.

Article courtesy of Sports Central.