Jack Sock's run at the French Open was notable not only as the first time the 22-year-old reached a Grand Slam round of 16 in singles.
He also became the youngest American man since Pete Sampras in 1993 to advance that far at Roland Garros. Tennis may be an individual sport, but national pride still counts — as he and his countrymen are reminded with every early exit at the majors.
Seeking to reverse those slipping fortunes, the U.S. Tennis Association in 2008 hired Patrick McEnroe as its first general manager of player development. A more centralized model was the goal but also what proved to be the challenge in a nation that values individuality.