A real wipeout
It’s hard to see a bright future for American males on clay. Blake had a nice run coming into his match, winning 10 matches in U.S. Challengers (minor level events), three more in French Open qualifying and then his first-round victory.

Blake's overall game has improved, but he has a history of cramping, like he did against Lleyton Hewitt in his breakout match at the U.S. Open in 2001. He’s a great guy who’s bright and has ability, but he does appear to be a little bit snake bitten.

Andre Agassi who was seeded sixth had a nerve condition act up and lost to Jarkko Nieminen in the first round. We may have seen the last of Agassi in Paris.

Another American Hugo Armando lost to Fernando Vicente in the first round.

Then there was Mardy Fish and another first-round American loss, Fish falling to Xavier Malisse.

Robby Ginepri followed the lead of his countrymen, losing to Novak Djokovic in the first round.

And Kevin Kim lost to Robin Vik -- also in the first round.

Want more, well, there was one more U.S. hope, Jeff Morrison, but he went out courtesy of Tomas Berdych also in the first round.

Grass may not yield greener results
No U.S. male is guaranteed to make hay on the grass when Wimbledon starts in three and half weeks time.

Roddick pushed defending champion Roger Federer hard in the final last year, but has only beaten the Swiss master once in his career.

Roddick's overall confidence seems to be shaken. He and his coach, Dean Goldfine, need to find a way to discover why he can’t seem to close out big matches anymore. He’s lacking bravado, which he sorely needs to remain competitive at the top.

With his serve and an improved volley, I’d give Roddick a decent shot to go deep at the All-England Club, but you can't call him the favorite.

It’s hard to see any of the other American men as more than upset specialists either.

The other three potential top U.S. contenders on grass Agassi, Fish and Taylor Dent, are all hurt and will likely limp into the All-England Club.

American men's tennis is in perilous shape right now. It’s time to get a new mascot. One that smells better.

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