OUR EXPERTS WEIGH IN:
Ed McGrogan: YES
How about this year? In a decimated women’s draw, I think Venus has as good an opportunity as anyone, even at age 36. But there’s still hope after Venus, and her sister Serena, eventually leave the sport. Madison Keys has the best chance—her massive serve and giant forehand move through the clay much like the Williams sisters’ shots—and it’s also worth watching the progress talented U.S. teens CiCi Bellis, Kayla Day and Amanda Anisimova. While we have no way of predicting their future, I think one of them is going to strike it big. (As for the men’s side? I’m not as confident.)
Stephen Tignor: NO
On the women's side, Keys has a puncher's chance, but she has a much better one at Wimbledon. The most likely to succeed is still Serena, who will be 36 if and when she plays in Paris again. Among the men, Sock, who likes clay, is the leading candidate, but he just lost in the first round. So while the U.S. has contenders, a French title within the next five years seems like a long shot.
Nina Pantic: NO
Given how the American men are doing in Paris right now, it's a stretch to expect a Roland Garros champion anytime soon, and certainly not within five years. The women have a better chance, but with so much European talent on the tour—and with a much stronger affinity for dirt—expect only the occasional deep run, perhaps from Keys. U.S. progress on clay has been made, given the overall improvement in results, but there's still a lot of catching up to do.
Brad Kallet: NO
The only American that I could really see winning any major—let alone Roland Garros—in the next five years is Serena, but clay is the 35-year-old’s weakest surface. Could Sock or Keys win the French Open? Perhaps, but if they triumph at a Slam it will more likely happen in Melbourne, Wimbledon or New York. Venus is another candidate, but she’s never won the French and is running out of time.
Ashley Ndebele: YES
Absolutely. Sock's game is tailored for clay. Yes, he lost early this week in Paris, but if we’re talking over the next years, he can absolutely lift the trophy in Roland Garros. Keys is another player who can triumph there. Besides, Americans are starting to adapt their games to clay, so there’s a strong chance this new crop of players can rise up at Roland Garros in the next coming years.
Steve Flink: NO
Five years is an eternity in tennis. I hope I am wrong, but I don't believe an American man or woman will prevail at Roland Garros over that time span.
Tennis Channel's Daily Serve recaps Day 3 at Roland Garros:
