Opinion: There's clear progress in American men's tennis. But will it be enough to end Grand Slam drought?

NEW YORK — As usual, and very much as expected, another year has passed without an American male tennis player winning a Grand Slam singles title. Tuesday, in fact, marks the 19-year anniversary of Andy Roddick winning the U.S. Open and a day that will continue to have outsized importance until this country produces another player who can break that infamous streak. 

But even with the elimination of the last three American men from the round of 16, this summer has been a bit of a turning point in the perception of what’s possible for the current crop of young players who have been considered a pretty significant cut below the top tier of challengers and future stars.

“I think American tennis is in a great spot right now,” said 23-year-old Frances Tiafoe, who capped off one of the best stretches of his career here Sunday with a competitive four-set loss to Felix Auger-Aliassime in the round of 16. “I'm happy to be a part of it, and I think we're all going to hit a pretty good stride here soon.”