As the discussion of who will emerge as the next great American men’s tennis champion continues, there is a group of players who are improving and rising through the world rankings. And as play has returned to the United States and North American courts, some have taken advantage of their opportunities.

With the state of American men’s tennis continually under the microscope, many have grown restless as they question when the next Pete Sampras or Andre Agassi will surface. In the not so distant past, it was a given that the United States would have a representative who could consistently contend for Grand Slam titles. And while Andy Roddick and James Blake were successful and John Isner continues to represent the United States admirably, there has not been a multiple Grand Slam champion from the States since the retirements of the two American legends.

However, there are a variety of Americans who continue to battle on the tour with the hope of writing their own history, and each has the ability to provide quality tennis during a given week or fortnight. Soon, the world’s best will converge on the two largest tournaments on American soil this side of the summer. And many Americans have taken their best shots at recent ATP 250 events in North America, hoping to build momentum as the Indian Wells and Miami Masters approach.

One player who has taken a big step forward recently is Donald Young. The Chicago native sprinted to the Memphis semifinals and followed that performance by advancing to the final at Delray Beach a week later. It was Young’s second career final, and it catapulted him back into the top 50 of the world rankings. His recent ranking of No. 45 is his highest since 2012 and with a newfound confidence and perspective, Young has become a dangerous opponent. The former teen sensation credits a keen focus on what he is capable of controlling, without dwelling on those things he cannot, as a catalyst to his recent success. Having worked hard in the offseason, it appears as though things are finally coming together for a player who has plenty of weapons at his disposal.

Meanwhile, a veteran who had become lost amongst some of the younger Americans has shown a recent spark on the American hard courts. Sam Querrey moved back to American No. 2 after a strong performance at Memphis, where he advanced to the semifinals. There, he defeated John Isner before falling to eventual champion Kei Nishikori after pushing him to a third-set tiebreak. Querrey followed this result with a disappointing effort at Delray Beach, but his recent play is encouraging after some had written off the 27-year-old after his efforts in 2013-14.

Elsewhere, an American who had fallen off the radar recently also found success on the North American hard courts. Ryan Harrison advanced to the semifinals last week at Acapulco, defeating three top-50 players during the event. After losing a tough three-setter to Nishikori in Memphis earlier in the month, Harrison eliminated world No. 10 Grigor Dimitrov and followed that result with victories against Young and Ivo Karlovic before losing to David Ferrer in three sets. Ferrer would go on to take the Acapulco title. It was a positive February for Harrison, who entered Acapulco ranked world No. 169. In the summer of 2012, he was a top-50 player who appeared destined to become a top American but has since become somewhat forgotten at just 22 years of age. However, his recent play has him on the cusp of the top 100 with a bullet.

With two American Masters events approaching, recent results should give a spike to these American men who certainly needed it for various reasons. And while John Isner is still likely the most reasonable pick for a deep run by a player from the United States, a breath of fresh air has been provided by a mixed bag of competitors from the States who will have their chance to make an impact this spring.