From the first iteration of the US Open in 1968 to the turn of the century, it was common for the tennis major in the United States to include at least one American in the final of the Grand Slam. 

However, for two decades, the opposite has been the case.

If American tennis fans are feeling as though it has been quite some time since a US man lifted the men’s singles title at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, they would be correct. The lengthy drought is at 21 years, with Andy Roddick representing the last American champion at the US Open men’s singles tournament. 

However, there are a number of American men who are in prime position to break that streak in 2024, including Frances Tiafoe and Taylor Fritz. 

MORE: US Open results 2024: Live tennis scores, full draw, bracket

Here’s everything you need to know about the American men’s history at the US Open since the country’s last triumph at the Grand Slam:

Last American to win US Open men’s singles title

American tennis fans have to go back more than two decades before finding the last U.S. man to win the US Open. 

Andy Roddick is the last American champion to win the tennis major set in the United States, and that came all the way back in 2003. Entering the US Open that year as the No. 4 seed, he rallied in the semifinals to come from two sets down to defeat No. 13 David Nalbandian, securing a spot in his first-ever major final. He faced No. 3 Juan Carlos Ferrero in the 2003 title contest. 

Roddick defeated the Spaniard in straight sets to win his first career Grand Slam. The 2003 US Open win was a major stepping stone for the then-21-year-old, who eventually ended the year ranked No. 1 in the world. 

Last US man to make US Open final

Roddick not only is the last American to win a US Open, but he also is the one to play in a final at the major. 

In 2006, Roddick, who was ranked No. 9, advanced all the way to the final of the US Open. It was the seventh time in a span of eight years that at least one American was one of the last two men standing in Flushing Meadows, as Roddick squared off against No. 1 Roger Federer.

However, the Swiss sensation would not be denied what was a third consecutive US Open title, defeating Roddick in four sets. Federer went on to win two more US Opens in a row to extend his streak to five before it was snapped in 2009. 

Since 2006, no American has reached the final, but the United States is guaranteed to have one in 2024 with Tiafoe and Fritz meeting in the semifinals. 

Last U.S. man to make US open semifinals

You don’t have to go far back at all to see the last time a U.S. man reached the semifinals of the US Open. That happened just last year at the 2023 tournament. 

Ben Shelton, who was unseeded entering the 2023 US Open, went on a stellar run last year in his home country, pulling off multiple upsets until he was one of only four competitors remaining at the major. However, his magical run ran out of steam in the semifinals, as he lost in three straight sets to No. 2 Novak Djokovic.

The Serbian went on to win his fourth US Open title and 24th men’s singles major.