THE AMERICANS

On the eve of the US Open, VF  catches up with the next generation of tennis stars

- CAITLIN THOMPSON

AMERICAN TENNIS HISTORY is filled with the boldest of boldface names—trailblazers and superstars such as Althea Gibson, Arthur Ashe, Billie Jean King, Stan Smith, and Chris Evert among many, many others who reached the heights of global fame and renown. While each generation had its own heroes, it wasn’t until the ’90s, when an explosion of talent and personality brought us Andre Agassi, Pete Sampras, Jim Courier, Todd Martin, and Michael Chang, that a whole cohort of Americans dominated the global stage at the same time.

Jessica PEGULA 
Age: 29 From: Buffalo Highest ranking: 3
Dress by Dion Lee; necklace by Tiffany & Co.

Their contrasts in styles, personalities, and paths to greatness commanded unrelenting coverage and a place in popular culture until the ’00s introduced two Williams sisters from Compton, California, who first challenged, then dominated, and ultimately transformed the sport in their own image—Venus becoming the activist heir to Billie Jean King, and Serena ascending to dizzying celebrity heights. They have largely evolved away from playing just as recreational participation and interest in the professional realms are on the cusp of surpassing the glory days of the ’80s.