Top American Juniors in ITF 09

[Michael Bluth]

With the new year the ITF rankings have been adjusted to eliminate all players born in 1990. I decided to check on the new rankings to see how many American juniors are in the top 100.

Here they are:

Chase Bunchanan- 9
Alex Domijian-12
Devin Britton-16
Tennys Sandgren-27
Denis Kudla-28
Ryan Harrison-31
Harry Fowler-32
Evan King-35
Bo Seal-43
Jordan Cox-51
Bob Van Overbeek-54
Matt Kandath-55
William Parker-91
Raymond Sarmiento-95

14 in total. Not bad.

[mrmo1115]

With the new year the ITF rankings have been adjusted to eliminate all players born in 1990. I decided to check on the new rankings to see how many American juniors are in the top 100.

Here they are:

Chase Bunchanan- 9
Alex Domijian-12
Devin Britton-16
Tennys Sandgren-27
Denis Kudla-28
Ryan Harrison-31
Harry Fowler-32
Evan King-35
Bo Seal-43
Jordan Cox-51
Bob Van Overbeek-54
Matt Kandath-55
William Parker-91
Raymond Sarmiento-95

14 in total. Not bad.

Ryan Harrison took a big dip in the rankings, I think because he has stopped playing ITFs? Kudla 28, thats really good, and I never knew Chase was that high.

[Michael Bluth]

Only Fowler and Britton are entered for the junior AO main draw, with Kandath entered in the qualies.

[eeytennis]

That's interesting...not sure how many of them are going to make it in the ATP though...on the women's side too. USA tennis is looking pretty weak for the future but I guess you never know who has peaked and who hasn't until way after the fact. So many players these days don't seem to have that drive and motivation...or at least enough drive to make it on the pro tour. Does anyone else agree?

[baseline08thrasher]

That's interesting...not sure how many of them are going to make it in the ATP though...on the women's side too. USA tennis is looking pretty weak for the future but I guess you never know who has peaked and who hasn't until way after the fact. So many players these days don't seem to have that drive and motivation...or at least enough drive to make it on the pro tour. Does anyone else agree?

Where should they be at?
are you judging on their ranking or the way the play?

I thought that we would have better juniors, but I guess not.

[eeytennis]

Where should they be at?
are you judging on their ranking or the way the play?


A little bit of both to be honest...for the guys at least. I mean, they are great players...but great doesn't always cut it for the ATP. I know a former junior who was ranked top 20 in the country and top 50 in the ITF's and he trying to make it on the pro tour with little success. He is a nice kid who worked very hard but he is struggling in the Challengers. No one player in that list seems to be dominating their age group on the national or international level either. Obviously you can't be 100% sure either way where these guys will end up, but I guess I am just not too impressed.

As for the girls, the two girls in the top 10 ITF rankings, their are both turning 18 this year. And the fact that they haven't cracked the top 100 in the WTA at this point says a lot. Sharapova, Serena and Venus Williams, Ana Ivanovic, and many more were 18 or younger when they cracked the top 100. Granted they could be late bloomers, but not likely.

[baseline08thrasher]

Yeah, I see what you are saying.

Is it really "that hard" for them.

If they changed their attitude and wanted to do be in the top.

Could they??
I thought that they would have enough skill.

[baseline08thrasher]

.............?????


well a lot of the boys top tennis americans look like wimps.

[tennismom42]

With the new year the ITF rankings have been adjusted to eliminate all players born in 1990. I decided to check on the new rankings to see how many American juniors are in the top 100.

Here they are:

Chase Bunchanan- 9
Alex Domijian-12
Devin Britton-16
Tennys Sandgren-27
Denis Kudla-28
Ryan Harrison-31
Harry Fowler-32
Evan King-35
Bo Seal-43
Jordan Cox-51
Bob Van Overbeek-54
Matt Kandath-55
William Parker-91
Raymond Sarmiento-95

14 in total. Not bad.
Interesting topic. My son is still age-eligible to play ITF & USTA in 2009. He's top 100 USTA now & signed with a college. (BTW, signing seems to take a lot of enthusiasm out of the kids. I've noticed this by who was NOT at the WSN.)

We've been trying to figure out an 09 schedule. We can't figure out what to do. Chase USTA points or play ITF?

Will playing ITF juniors help my son somehow?

[mrmo1115]

Interesting topic. My son is age-eligible still for 2009. He's top 100 USTA now & signed with a college. (BTW, signing seems to take a lot of enthusiasm out of the kids. I've noticed this by who was NOT at the WSN.)

We've been trying to figure out an 09 schedule. We can't figure out what to do. Chase USTA points or play ITF?

Will playing ITF juniors help my son somehow?

I would want to play ITF's, it seems more fun, getting to travel and play w/ kids internationally. Thats my opinion. Thats great for your son, to be able to be ranked top 100 USTA and get signed by college. That is my goal to get into the top 100 nationally 16s and 18s. And of course maintain a decent sectional ranking as well.

[baseline08thrasher]

ITF's sound like the better option.

You can see what is out there, rather than get bored off of the USTA.

USTA can get really annoying.


This might freshen his attitude too.

If you say that being signed takes enthusiasim out of going to tournaments. =]

[tennismom42]

I would want to play ITF's, it seems more fun, getting to travel and play w/ kids internationally. Thats my opinion. Thats great for your son, to be able to be ranked top 100 USTA and get signed by college. That is my goal to get into the top 100 nationally 16s and 18s. And of course maintain a decent sectional ranking as well.
It was my son's goals too. He did not make that goal in the 16s, just missed it. He's been blasting through the 18s. Some of it has been his tournament results, but some of it is because the others are playing ITFs or just not playing at all.

I think the hardest training comes AFTER you sign. Then you have to find your own motivation.

[Miami83095]

Ryan Harrison took a big dip in the rankings, I think because he has stopped playing ITFs? Kudla 28, thats really good, and I never knew Chase was that high.

Harrison suffered from a back injury at the end of the US Open Juniors

[tenniscp]

With the new year the ITF rankings have been adjusted to eliminate all players born in 1990. I decided to check on the new rankings to see how many American juniors are in the top 100.

Here they are:

Chase Bunchanan- 9
Alex Domijian-12
Devin Britton-16
Tennys Sandgren-27
Denis Kudla-28
Ryan Harrison-31
Harry Fowler-32
Evan King-35
Bo Seal-43
Jordan Cox-51
Bob Van Overbeek-54
Matt Kandath-55
William Parker-91
Raymond Sarmiento-95

14 in total. Not bad.

From this group, it seems like Cox, Kudla, Harrison and Overbeek are 1992's, which gives them a good opportunity to become top 5 or even attempt to be one in ITF Juniors.

Kudla had an outstanding year in 2008, and seems to be on a track to becoming a pro. He won Davis Cup (with King and Sarmiento, beating Yuki Bhambri on the way), won OB 16's and finals of the doubles, won Grade 1 ITF and etc. He is looking to enter the top 5 soon, probably after AO or French Open.

Harrison obviously is already a pro, so enough said there. And as far as Cox and Overbeek, they probably try to follow a path to become pros, Cox winning Zoo beating Kudla in the finals, and Overbeek is a big boy, should do well down the road.

[kctennis1005]

It was my son's goals too. He did not make that goal in the 16s, just missed it. He's been blasting through the 18s. Some of it has been his tournament results, but some of it is because the others are playing ITFs or just not playing at all.

I think the hardest training comes AFTER you sign. Then you have to find your own motivation.

ur son played really well at winters...got to see him play a few matches. i think playing ITF is kinda a waste of time and money once you've already signed....obviously u need to keep playing tournaments to stay competitive for college tennis, but theres no need to spend so much money travellling to go play ITFs all around the world.

[kctennis1005]

A little bit of both to be honest...for the guys at least. I mean, they are great players...but great doesn't always cut it for the ATP. I know a former junior who was ranked top 20 in the country and top 50 in the ITF's and he trying to make it on the pro tour with little success. He is a nice kid who worked very hard but he is struggling in the Challengers. No one player in that list seems to be dominating their age group on the national or international level either. Obviously you can't be 100% sure either way where these guys will end up, but I guess I am just not too impressed.

As for the girls, the two girls in the top 10 ITF rankings, their are both turning 18 this year. And the fact that they haven't cracked the top 100 in the WTA at this point says a lot. Sharapova, Serena and Venus Williams, Ana Ivanovic, and many more were 18 or younger when they cracked the top 100. Granted they could be late bloomers, but not likely.

idk how u can say no one is dominating....if u look at domijans results lately they are beastly....hes cruising through draws....if he starts playing a little bigger of a game hell be a top top player. hes 6'7" and moves well and has all the tools to be a top player

[Michael Bluth]

Kudla isn't entered in the AO, but he is in my view one of the main favorites at the two American G1's in the spring, the International Spring Championships and the Easter Bowl.

He should go up a few spots since he made the quarters of that GA tournament in Casablanca. Fowler should go up a good deal too since he made the semis there.

[BigBUBBA]

It was my son's goals too. He did not make that goal in the 16s, just missed it. He's been blasting through the 18s. Some of it has been his tournament results, but some of it is because the others are playing ITFs or just not playing at all.

I think the hardest training comes AFTER you sign. Then you have to find your own motivation.

Where did he sign to? I'm gonna guess a D1 mid-major

[joshburger]

ryan harrison is injured but when he comes back hel be top 10 again

[eeytennis]

idk how u can say no one is dominating....if u look at domijans results lately they are beastly....hes cruising through draws....if he starts playing a little bigger of a game hell be a top top player. hes 6'7" and moves well and has all the tools to be a top player

Sure, Domijan won two big ITF tournaments, but I was looking at his USTA record...he has lost to the likes of Jenkins, King, etc. Someone like Grigor Dimitrov...winner of both Junior Wimbledon and U.S. Open has had success on the junior and pro level (Futures tournaments). And Dimitrov is just ONE example.

[tennismom42]

Where did he sign to? I'm gonna guess a D1 mid-major
D1, but idk what mid major means

[tennismom42]

Interesting topic. My son is still age-eligible to play ITF & USTA in 2009. He's top 100 USTA now & signed with a college. (BTW, signing seems to take a lot of enthusiasm out of the kids. I've noticed this by who was NOT at the WSN.)

We've been trying to figure out an 09 schedule. We can't figure out what to do. Chase USTA points or play ITF?

Will playing ITF juniors help my son somehow?
Michael Bluth, I'd still like you to answer these questions.

[Michael Bluth]

I'd try the ITF. Better comptetition than the USTAs.

[kctennis1005]

Michael Bluth, I'd still like you to answer these questions.

tennismom, did u see my answer on the previous page? ITFs are kinda a waste of money and time unless ur aiming to go pro

[10isDad]

ur son played really well at winters...got to see him play a few matches. i think playing ITF is kinda a waste of time and money once you've already signed....obviously u need to keep playing tournaments to stay competitive for college tennis, but theres no need to spend so much money travellling to go play ITFs all around the world.

There are a series of ITF events here in the states he can play. There's one in late March in Texas, the USTA International in Carson in early April, the Easter Bowl. There are two in May: one in Hawaii, the other in Waco, TX. Finally, the grass court championships in June is an ITF event.

Friends in AZ who signed early generally:

* played only the designated endorsement events that would enable them to keep their ranking high enough to get into the super nationals, etc.

* played/tried to qualify for the 'in-USA' ITF events

* tried to qualify for futures events during the summer break - there's basically a Future every week and they're generally grouped in a geographical area for a short series (like 3 weeks in a row in Florida). Entry is usually minimal...it's the travel expenses that'll get you.

[tenniscp]

Just found out Kudla won the dubs in Casablanca and lost in quarters to the kid he beat in the Davis Cup finals, Argentine player Velotti

[Michael Bluth]

Exactly, over the year there are a number of ITFs in the states.

[tennismom42]

tennismom, did u see my answer on the previous page? ITFs are kinda a waste of money and time unless ur aiming to go pro
yes, I saw it. Either system requires travel & money

[tennismom42]

There are a series of ITF events here in the states he can play. There's one in late March in Texas, the USTA International in Carson in early April, the Easter Bowl. There are two in May: one in Hawaii, the other in Waco, TX. Finally, the grass court championships in June is an ITF event.

Friends in AZ who signed early generally:

* played only the designated endorsement events that would enable them to keep their ranking high enough to get into the super nationals, etc.

* played/tried to qualify for the 'in-USA' ITF events

* tried to qualify for futures events during the summer break - there's basically a Future every week and they're generally grouped in a geographical area for a short series (like 3 weeks in a row in Florida). Entry is usually minimal...it's the travel expenses that'll get you.
where is Carson?

[Fred]

Sure, Domijan won two big ITF tournaments, but I was looking at his USTA record...he has lost to the likes of Jenkins, King, etc. Someone like Grigor Dimitrov...winner of both Junior Wimbledon and U.S. Open has had success on the junior and pro level (Futures tournaments). And Dimitrov is just ONE example.

He lost to Jenkins in the semis of the Orange Bowl, not in a UTSA tournament. Jenkins is very good and the Orange Bowl is one of the most prestigious tournaments in junior tennis. He beat the #1 junior a couple of matches earlier.

He lost to King in the semis of the Clays. Not bad at all, especially considering the surface.

His only other losses in USTA tournaments were against Rhyne Williams (an excellent player), Chase Buchanan (a top ranked junior), and Dennis Nevolo (a very good player who's two years older).

Domijan had a very impressive year. In addition to his junior success, he reached the final of one Futures event (where he lost to Somdev Devvarman) and the semifinals of two others. Among the players he's beaten this year: Tsung-Hua Yang (year-end #1), Yuki Bhambri (year-end #2), and Uladzimir Ignatic (2007 year-end #2). He also lost 7-6 in the third against Ricardas Berankis, last year's year-end #1.

[eeytennis]

He lost to Jenkins in the semis of the Orange Bowl, not in a UTSA tournament. Jenkins is very good and the Orange Bowl is one of the most prestigious tournaments in junior tennis. He beat the #1 junior a couple of matches earlier.

He lost to King in the semis of the Clays. Not bad at all, especially considering the surface.

His only other losses in USTA tournaments were against Rhyne Williams (an excellent player), Chase Buchanan (a top ranked junior), and Dennis Nevolo (a very good player who's two years older).

Domijan had a very impressive year. In addition to his junior success, he reached the final of one Futures event (where he lost to Somdev Devvarman) and the semifinals of two others. Among the players he's beaten this year: Tsung-Hua Yang (year-end #1), Yuki Bhambri (year-end #2), and Uladzimir Ignatic (2007 year-end #2). He also lost 7-6 in the third against Ricardas Berankis, last year's year-end #1.


I am not trying to take away from his accomplishments, I am just saying that his results aren't as impressive as some other guys his age...especially in the Futures tournaments. Just because he beat the number 1 in the ITF doesn't mean that he is destined for great things...upsets happen. It's when he beats them consistently that is impressive.

[BigBUBBA]

D1, but idk what mid major means

Midmajor is anything outside of Ivy Leauge, Big 10, Big East, ACC, and Southeastern confrence.

[mrmo1115]

Harrison suffered from a back injury at the end of the US Open Juniors

I did not realize that. I see. I was wondering why he was at the O.B. interviewing people for junior tennis .com and not in the tournament .. Haha. Does he even have alot of time left in the juniors?

[mrmo1115]

Sure, Domijan won two big ITF tournaments, but I was looking at his USTA record...he has lost to the likes of Jenkins, King, etc. Someone like Grigor Dimitrov...winner of both Junior Wimbledon and U.S. Open has had success on the junior and pro level (Futures tournaments). And Dimitrov is just ONE example.

Boy is he impressive. I got to watch him at the USO. The way he carries himself on the court you get that feeling from him that he is a true Champ. Amazing player really, got that right mix of confidence.

where is Carson?

It is in California, where the old USTA High Performance Center used to be before being moved down to Boca Raton, FL.

[JMS]

Midmajor is anything outside of Ivy Leauge, Big 10, Big East, ACC, and Southeastern confrence.

No, you are forgetting Big 12 and Pac-10 as well.

[10isDad]

D1, but idk what mid major means

Mid-Major basically means schools that are outside of the "major" conferences - those that get automatic BCS bids in football.

[baseline08thrasher]

Sure, Domijan won two big ITF tournaments, but I was looking at his USTA record...he has lost to the likes of Jenkins, King, etc. Someone like Grigor Dimitrov...winner of both Junior Wimbledon and U.S. Open has had success on the junior and pro level (Futures tournaments). And Dimitrov is just ONE example.

Grigor dimitrov goes to Weil tennis academy.

I went there.

[BigBUBBA]

No, you are forgetting Big 12 and Pac-10 as well.

Oh sorry, I always remember Texas AM is a non midmajor but forget about big 12...

[tennismom42]

Midmajor is anything outside of Ivy Leauge, Big 10, Big East, ACC, and Southeastern confrence.
nope, did not chose mid major. Chose some place where mom, the bookkeeper, can afford & high likelihood of full scholarship Jr & Snr years. Some place where he can shine.

[BigBUBBA]

nope, did not chose mid major. Chose some place where mom, the bookkeeper, can afford & high likelihood of full scholarship Jr & Snr years. Some place where he can shine.

Cool. I, like your son, would much rather go to a smaller school and be a star than go to a large one and never play.

[cujays]

tennismom
where will your son be playing college tennis

[tennismom42]

Cool. I, like your son, would much rather go to a smaller school and be a star than go to a large one and never play.
Did you see my post promoting the two D1 schools we visited, that are looking for recruits. They kind of harmed themselves by stacking their teams with foreigners. Now no Americans apply because they *assume* they can't get in. I hope you consider those places. They are wonderful settings where recruits will play & flourish in more ways than just tennis!

(I think I broke my index finger today. I think I'll be posting a lot less for a while. It's so painful to type and the typos are driving me lunny.)

[tennismom42]

tennismom
where will your son be playing college tennis
Um, I don't give than kind of information out over the internet, nor his name. If you want, you can e-mail me. I may or may not tell. I just try to keep his name private.

[cujays]

ok i understand
sorry

[tenniscp]

I am not trying to take away from his accomplishments, I am just saying that his results aren't as impressive as some other guys his age...especially in the Futures tournaments. Just because he beat the number 1 in the ITF doesn't mean that he is destined for great things...upsets happen. It's when he beats them consistently that is impressive.

I would like to know who exactly do u mean by other guys his age? As far as 1991's go, Domijan is probably the most dominant in the last 3 months, before it was Buchanan who had good results, but Domijan is right up there.

[eeytennis]

I would like to know who exactly do u mean by other guys his age? As far as 1991's go, Domijan is probably the most dominant in the last 3 months, before it was Buchanan who had good results, but Domijan is right up there.

By his age I mean 7 of the guys currently in the top 10 ITF rankings. Domijan won two big tournaments, one of which neither the 1 or 3 players participated in. They have been traveling playing Futures and have been quite successful so far and considering they are relatively new to the pro tour.

[kctennis1005]

yes, I saw it. Either system requires travel & money

i agree, but itf's are mostly out of country....as 10sdad said there are only a few in the US....now that he signed i would just play local tournies(since hes in SoCal training now there are lots of men's opens to play). ive had college coaches say they like their players to play more men's open than juniors because more college players play them and they get used to a bigger game style

[Michael Bluth]

Kudla's showing at Casablanca has propelled him to the 15th ranking. He's seeded no.1 at the Coffee Bowl this week, if he goes deep in that or wins he could crack the top 10.

[BigBUBBA]

Did you see my post promoting the two D1 schools we visited, that are looking for recruits. They kind of harmed themselves by stacking their teams with foreigners. Now no Americans apply because they *assume* they can't get in. I hope you consider those places. They are wonderful settings where recruits will play & flourish in more ways than just tennis!

(I think I broke my index finger today. I think I'll be posting a lot less for a while. It's so painful to type and the typos are driving me lunny.)

Haha, thank you, but I'm a few years off of the recruiting process

[tennismom42]

Haha, thank you, but I'm a few years off of the recruiting process
Hard to determine that kind of info, ya know.

Still, you seem well connected. Maybe you will know of someone.

[tenniscp]

Kudla's showing at Casablanca has propelled him to the 15th ranking. He's seeded no.1 at the Coffee Bowl this week, if he goes deep in that or wins he could crack the top 10.

I saw that. I am glad we have another American that is about to crack top 10 in the world. Aside from Tomic, who lost to Verdasco on the pro tour today, and he does not play ITF's anymore, Kudla has to be the youngest one in top 15. Good showing for US.

Buchanan, Domijan, Kudla. Let's go US tennis. Hopefully, one of them reaches number 1 in the world soon.

By the way, who was the last US kid to reach #1 in the world?

[Fred]

I saw that. I am glad we have another American that is about to crack top 10 in the world. Aside from Tomic, who lost to Verdasco on the pro tour today, and he does not play ITF's anymore, Kudla has to be the youngest one in top 15. Good showing for US.

Buchanan, Domijan, Kudla. Let's go US tennis. Hopefully, one of them reaches number 1 in the world soon.

By the way, who was the last US kid to reach #1 in the world?

Donald Young. He was the year-end #1 junior in 2005. Ryan Sweeting finished 3rd that year, but at the time he represented the Bahamas. Kellen Damico finished 9th in 2006. Rhyne Williams was ranked as high as 8th, but plummeted soon after because he stopped playing ITFs with the exception of the U.S. Open. Ryan Harrison got up to #7, but didn't play very many events after that and did poorly in a few that he did play.

I don't expect Domijan or Buchanan to play many ITFs this year. I'm sure Kudla will, though. Devin Britton is playing the Aussie Open, so perhaps he will play until the fall, at which time I believe he's headed off to college (as is Buchanan).

[Jackie T. Stephens]

To be honest guys I train with Evan King when I get a chance to, also I'm top ranked ITF but my parents are from different places, my mom is from here dad from France so I'm using my name in France, they changed my name when I came to the US.

[TennisLover17]

Wow that's a lot more of players. Good to see that we're making an impact haha.

Didn't know Chase was number 9. I thought Domijan would've cracked top 10 =P