Ranking the Most Overhyped Americans in Tennis Today

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Tennis has produced an array of wonderful shotmakers and players over the past several decades.

Right now, though, American tennis is in a confusing state. Andy Roddick is on the decline, and Mardy Fish is only getting older, less dominant and less consistent.

Some American players are keeping the nation on the map, such as John Isner, Sam Querrey and the Williams sisters. But the media is constantly making a big deal about several athletes who have yet to make their mark on the sport of tennis.

Here are the most overhyped active American players.

Donald Young

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The only reason Donald Young isn't as bad as Vince Spadea was is that he has pulled off some big wins and upsets (such as his victories over Stanislas Wawrinka and Andy Murray).

He just came off of a losing streak of nearly 20 matches, but he is by no means visibly improving.

He is a talented lefty who has yet to convert his innate gifts, and he probably never will. Still, he remains a huge American hopeful in the media.

Melanie Oudin

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This woman may very well be the most overhyped female tennis player in the modern era (okay, maybe that is a stretch).

After one phenomenal, out-of-nowhere run at Flushing Meadows several years ago, she has since failed to do any damage in any tournament whatsoever.

She has a strong forehand and a high belief in winning, but she does lack the mental composure and main abilities to thrive in the constantly-punishing women's field.

Ryan Harrison

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There is no doubt that Mr. Harrison will do well in the near future, but that may be quite far away.

He has weapons, talent and the belief—no doubt about that. But he lets his emotions take away from his game efforts over and over again.

He also needs to develop some consistency. He can pull off the occasional big win, but he needs more of them to break through into the true spotlight.

Christina McHale

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Though McHale is at her highest ranking currently at No. 24 in the world, she has yet to make a dent on the field in major tournaments.

Having never gone into the second week in a major, the 20-year-old from New Jersey has proven to be a force—not a threat.

At first glance, I believed she was very talented and would do well. But as of right now, it seems she is still learning and hasn't quite recognized her full potential yet.

She needs to develop more of a weapon because, currently, she is winning a majority of her matches by being consistent without much thought process behind her shots.

 

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