What would you say about American tennis’ performance at the Paris Olympics? Utterly disappointed? Maybe yes. A wet blanket was put on all the expectation as the only category which has added medals to America’s tally is the men’s doubles. However, there has been no gold, only silver and bronze. While Coco Gauff couldn’t make it to the quarterfinals, Jessica Pegula too bowed out early from the singles, and they both exited early in the second round of women’s doubles. The results have indeed been disappointing. But what about being surprised by their records at the quadrennial event? Though some are surprised, many tennis fans are not.

The only light in the utter darkness for American tennis has been Rajeev Ram and Krajicek’s silver, followed by Taylor Fritz and Tommy Paul’s bronze. When it comes to singles, every woman and man crashed out even before they had a chance to put a stake on any medal, let alone gold. Christopher Clarey, the famous author, was left heartbroken as he shared his disappointment on X.

While sharing his happiness about the silver lining that came in doubles, Clarey said, “Good for Ram and Krajicek and Fritz and Paul, silver and bronze medalists in the men’s doubles at #Paris2024.” However, this didn’t stop him from expressing his surprise about the state of women’s tennis and singles category, which fell like a house of cards tumbling down with a slight breeze of air. He further said, “But still a disappointing #Olympics in #tennis for Team USA overall with no women’s medals and no singles medals. I am surprised.”

However, tennis fans didn’t share the “disappointment stage” with Clarey, as they were not as surprised as him by the dismal tennis campaign of American players. They further reasoned with the author, why they were not surprised by the low medal count.

Tennis fans are “not surprised” by American tennis results at Paris, and here is why

Gauff was seen as the flag bearer not only of the USA contingent but also for the tennis tribe. The 20-year-old entered 3 categories to maximize the chances of as many medals as possible. However, fate had something else in its basket for the Americans.

She was ousted in the singles by Donna Vekic, in a controversy marred match, who went on to win the silver medal. Her luck at the doubles also failed to shine, as Pegula was unable to continue. And the last event with Taylor Fritz also ended in disappointment. And this tennis fan believed that it was a “Poor showing. In a semi weak field.”

While Clarey expressed his surprise at the players unable to get medals in singles, tennis fans were not, as they said, “I’m not. Seems like they all wanted the “experience” more than a medal and let the experience sap their focus and energy. Seems like they’re all just counting on LA’28 to be easier at home.” The next Olympics are scheduled to be organized in Los Angeles in 2028. And playing in front of the home crowd is certainly a dream come true. However, no one would want to blow their chance for a hypothetical scenario that would take place 4 years later.

This was not all. Some tennis fans took a dig at the players who were unable to play at the Paris Olympics: Korda, Tiafoe, and Shelton, as they prepared for the US Open. However, their absence didn’t help them escape the upset fans, as they fumed over the early exit of tennis stars from the singles. They said, “You’re surprised the American men couldn’t win on sea-level clay with Korda, Tiafoe, and Shelton hiding in the USA at the ATP500 event?”

Some tennis fans went as far as to say that Americans were always weak on the Clay. They said, “Surprised? Who do you expected to win in singles? Especially that it’s clay and Americans were always weak on it.” However that might not be the case with everyone. Serena Williams dominated the tennis circuit, and she won at the French Open, not once, or twice, but thrice! Moreover, she isn’t the only legend who’s America’s sweetheart. Chris Evert stepped up to Williams in this amazing feat as she claimed the French Open a massive 7 times. Hence, Americans are not weak on clay.

In contrast to Clarey’s surprise, tennis fans felt that American tennis has been given more space than other sports when it comes to the hype and they questioned, “Why surprised? American tennis is more hype than substance!!” Though this may not be true however, players need to answer all the doubts with their racquets.