Eddie Herr 2008

SoCal10s

Hall of Fame
Eddie Herr 2008, a lot of raised eyebrows!! boys 18's some top Americans are out early...Buchanan,Britton and second seeded out 2nd round... boys 16's Raymond Sarmiento (1)USA is having an easy time.. but I have a feeling he'll find a way to lose... boys 14's ,my guy Alexios Halebian is unseeded and dusting everyone in 2 straight sets,killed Joseph P Digiulio 6-1,6-0, some people here were saying he was the next American champion-- not... and Deiton Baughman won the doubles -- congrats on that Deit and Brad..
 

Fred

Rookie
Domijan, Sarmiento, and Halebian all took home the title in their respective age groups. Domijan and Sarmiento didn't drop or set in the tournament (or even go to a tiebreak). Halebian only dropped one, to fellow American John Richmond. They all appear to have dominated their champioship matches. Halebian, in particular, was impressive with a 6-1, 6-1 win over Pedro Guimaraes of Brazil, the #4 seed who's ranked #2 in COSAT in the 14-and-under division.

It'll get much tougher next week for all three of them.
 
Definate congrats to Brad and Deiton for winning doubles. Deiton was also doing very well in singles, but that Kozlov is very, very good.
 
Has anyone on this post seen Stefan play? What is his game like?

Sorry for the late reply. I have seen Kozlov play about 8 times and has a wide range of game. He is very consistent, but can play other parts of the court besides the baseline. But what REALLY makes him better then the rest is he has every single shot and has the best shot selection I have seen in my life. His bet weapon is his dropshot. He kills top 14 year olds with moonballing and dropshotting alone. I think he is much better than Deiton and Kerznerman.
 

mrmo1115

Hall of Fame
Sorry for the late reply. I have seen Kozlov play about 8 times and has a wide range of game. He is very consistent, but can play other parts of the court besides the baseline. But what REALLY makes him better then the rest is he has every single shot and has the best shot selection I have seen in my life. His bet weapon is his dropshot. He kills top 14 year olds with moonballing and dropshotting alone. I think he is much better than Deiton and Kerznerman.

I don't want to accuse him of lying his age, but he has been in the 12 and unders for a mighty long time. It is very hard to believe that he is only in 5th grade. I saw him at Winter Nationals 2 years ago, which makes him a 3rd grader at the time? :shock: Sorry, but I don't think so.
 

tennismom42

Semi-Pro
I don't want to accuse him of lying his age, but he has been in the 12 and unders for a mighty long time. It is very hard to believe that he is only in 5th grade. I saw him at Winter Nationals 2 years ago, which makes him a 3rd grader at the time? :shock: Sorry, but I don't think so.
Report him, in writing, to the USTA and your section. You can demand that a birth certificate be provided to prove age. I've been complaining about this a lot to the USTA. ITF requires ID at tournament check in. USTA should mirror this practice, especially at Level 1-3 tournaments.

Technically, you could complain for a code violation of poor sportsmanship.
 

mrmo1115

Hall of Fame
I don't want to be the one to bust this guy. I am just saying there are certain kids who may be "lying their age" .

This kid is one of the top on my list of suspects.
 
I don't want to accuse him of lying his age, but he has been in the 12 and unders for a mighty long time. It is very hard to believe that he is only in 5th grade. I saw him at Winter Nationals 2 years ago, which makes him a 3rd grader at the time? :shock: Sorry, but I don't think so.

We have talked to the father. Have you ever seen or talked to Stefan, he sure talks and acts like a 10 year old.
 

mrmo1115

Hall of Fame
Yeah, but I wouldn't count that for anything. Its either he is lying his age or he is one heck of a great player considering his age.

Look into his rankings. He has played so many 12s and unders tournaments, possibly now in his 3 1/2 year ?

I'm not accusing or point fingers at him, just raising a thought.
 
Yeah, but I wouldn't count that for anything. Its either he is lying his age or he is one heck of a great player considering his age.

Look into his rankings. He has played so many 12s and unders tournaments, possibly now in his 3 1/2 year ?

I'm not accusing or point fingers at him, just raising a thought.

Yeah.... I am a little suspicious, he's been playing 12's for a little over 4 years. This was his 3rd Eddie Herr. That means he's been playing the tourny since age 8, that's outrageous. His little brother, Boris, is only 7 or 8 just played his first Eddie herr this year and won his first round match very easily.
 
I don't want to accuse him of lying his age, but he has been in the 12 and unders for a mighty long time. It is very hard to believe that he is only in 5th grade. I saw him at Winter Nationals 2 years ago, which makes him a 3rd grader at the time? :shock: Sorry, but I don't think so.

hey mrmo i would believe hes 12, i watched him play my son and he won and he did it like most 12 year olds that have had wins over deiton, he sat deep behind the baseline and redirected the power he was recieving off deits ball and if it got to heavy then came the moonball ,its a great gameplan in the 12's and it works i give the little guy credit he did a good job allowing deiton the reel off the unforced errors.He's probably 12 and he deserves credit for his run at eddie hur!!But his gamestyle will not work at the next age group, look at the winner of last years Hurr and OB ,but do give him credit.
 
I know the Kozlovs. They are not lying about his age. The boy has had a tennis racquet in his hand practically his entire life. The father runs a small academy in Pembroke Pines, about 15 minutes south of us.
 
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hey mrmo i would believe hes 12, i watched him play my son and he won and he did it like most 12 year olds that have had wins over deiton, he sat deep behind the baseline and redirected the power he was recieving off deits ball and if it got to heavy then came the moonball ,its a great gameplan in the 12's and it works i give the little guy credit he did a good job allowing deiton the reel off the unforced errors.He's probably 12 and he deserves credit for his run at eddie hur!!But his gamestyle will not work at the next age group, look at the winner of last years Hurr and OB ,but do give him credit.

Agree 100%. He has a perfect game for a little guy but will need some major growth spurts soon. If not, he will be another kid that peaks in the 12s....perhaps he can compete in the 14s, he has skills. But sooner or later he will be too small to do much damage.
 

Fred

Rookie
Wow, so he must be lying about his age because he's good for his age? Do you guys also think that Michael Chang, Lleyton Hewitt, Rafael Nadal, among others, are lying about their ages?

Is it really that hard to believe that he's good due to his natural talent and the quality coaching he's received from a very young age? As mentioned, his dad runs an academy. The kid isn't even abnormally big, and based on Brad's description, he's playing like a you'd expect a 10-year-old to play. The fact that he's better at it than most is not strong evidence that he's lying about his age. It's incredibly flimsy, in fact. He's also an "old" 10, by the way. His birthday is in February.

Besides, wasn't he born in the U.S.? It would be unbelievably stupid to lie about one's age if you were born in the U.S. Even athletes from countries with poor record keeping systems are often exposed.

Enough with these baseless accusations.
 

Fred

Rookie
Agree 100%. He has a perfect game for a little guy but will need some major growth spurts soon. If not, he will be another kid that peaks in the 12s....perhaps he can compete in the 14s, he has skills. But sooner or later he will be too small to do much damage.

Considering that he's 10, I wouldn't worry too much about his size at the moment. There's plenty of time for a growth spurt. Heck, look at Christian Harrison, who's 14 1/2 and still looks like he's 12.
 

tenniscp

Semi-Pro
Kozlov is ten or 12 or 11 makes no difference, his game is perfect for all ages mentioned above. He will also probably beat lesser 14's and under, and one has to give him credit for that. He did well in Eddie Herr, lost second round at Orange Bowl, somebody outpushed him probably, but that is what happens in 12's tennis primarily.
 

tenniscp

Semi-Pro
Kozlov's father does not run an Academy, he rents few courts in a public park and gloriously calls it an Academy. One should have a look at that "Academy" and everything will become clear, there is no coaching going on there, who is the coach? His dad? His mom was the only one with a tennis background but I think she parted ways with her husband.

Anyway, in response to the guy who prefers Kozlov's game to Kerznerman's or Baughman's, I have one thing to say: you can have Kozlov, I will try to make a player out of Deighton or Daniel instead. Both Deighton's and Daniel's games are far more advanced than Kozlov's.
 

Fred

Rookie
Kozlov's father does not run an Academy, he rents few courts in a public park and gloriously calls it an Academy. One should have a look at that "Academy" and everything will become clear, there is no coaching going on there, who is the coach? His dad? His mom was the only one with a tennis background but I think she parted ways with her husband.

Anyway, in response to the guy who prefers Kozlov's game to Kerznerman's or Baughman's, I have one thing to say: you can have Kozlov, I will try to make a player out of Deighton or Daniel instead. Both Deighton's and Daniel's games are far more advanced than Kozlov's.

It looks like his dad does have a tennis background, according to this:

http://www.juniortennis.com/Coaching/coach_profile.php?id=1

Baughman and Kerznerman should have more advanced games considering that they are two years older. But if their games are far more advanced, how did they lose in straight sets? A much inferior moonballer shouldn't have posed a problem.
 
I know the Kozlovs. They are not lying about his age. The boy has had a tennis racquet in his hand practically his entire life. The father runs a small academy in Pembroke Pines, about 15 minutes south of us.

His little Brother, Boris is the same way.Mr. Kozlov told my dad Stefan has been drilling with him since 4.

Mr. Baughman said that his game will not transfer into the next age group but he's doing pretty well in the 14's now.
 
Kozlov's father does not run an Academy, he rents few courts in a public park and gloriously calls it an Academy. One should have a look at that "Academy" and everything will become clear, there is no coaching going on there, who is the coach? His dad? His mom was the only one with a tennis background but I think she parted ways with her husband.

Anyway, in response to the guy who prefers Kozlov's game to Kerznerman's or Baughman's, I have one thing to say: you can have Kozlov, I will try to make a player out of Deighton or Daniel instead. Both Deighton's and Daniel's games are far more advanced than Kozlov's.

Have you ever seen Kozlov play. One thing you guy's keep on saying is he's a pusher. He is NOT a pusher. He can push to win some matches (probably did so against Deiton), but has a much wider range of game than you are giving him credit for. He is NOT just a moonballer. He has FAR more shots and a wider range of game than Kerznerman. I do think Deiton is more advanced.
 

tenniscp

Semi-Pro
It looks like his dad does have a tennis background, according to this:

http://www.juniortennis.com/Coaching/coach_profile.php?id=1

Baughman and Kerznerman should have more advanced games considering that they are two years older. But if their games are far more advanced, how did they lose in straight sets? A much inferior moonballer shouldn't have posed a problem.

Thanks for providing the link. I do feel however, that the information provided on that page comes from Kozlov senior himself. The info is not readily verifiable. In any case, being number 1 in Macedonia in tennis is almost like being number 1 in beach volleyball in Greenland. There are only three tennis players in Macedonia, Kozlov was the fourth.

On a serious note though, I think we have no way of knowing how much of it is true, but I do believe my ears and eyes. I have seen Kozlov put on a dog and pony show at last year's Eddie Herr on clay courts, where he was "training" some juniors. It was pathetic.
 
T

tenniscrazed

Guest
Thanks for providing the link. I do feel however, that the information provided on that page comes from Kozlov senior himself. The info is not readily verifiable. In any case, being number 1 in Macedonia in tennis is almost like being number 1 in beach volleyball in Greenland. There are only three tennis players in Macedonia, Kozlov was the fourth.

On a serious note though, I think we have no way of knowing how much of it is true, but I do believe my ears and eyes. I have seen Kozlov put on a dog and pony show at last year's Eddie Herr on clay courts, where he was "training" some juniors. It was pathetic.

Why give the guy a hard time? Because he has two kids, or because your kid lost to him? or it's because his kid is an infamous "pusher"? Heaven forbid your kid has to play a "pusher". FYI it was a firm belief that Nadal was a pusher, so was Lleyton Hewitt, so was Fabrice Santoro, it is a valid strategy, get over it and the one who is teaching it.

The guy appears to be trying to make a living while at the same time coaching his own kids. Whats the beef man.
 

SoCal10s

Hall of Fame
Baughman and Kerznerman should have more advanced games considering that they are two years older. But if their games are far more advanced, how did they lose in straight sets? A much inferior moonballer shouldn't have posed a problem.

in the 12 and 14 and under, alot of kids have success by "pushing",just merely getting the ball back and knowing how to not miss,and the other side of the coin is you have kids who are so physically bigger and stronger and have an early growth spurt and just over power all the smaller kids.... that's why the real players of the future(in the boys)don't really show up until the 16s and 18s when the playing field gets more leveled out...
 

Fred

Rookie
in the 12 and 14 and under, alot of kids have success by "pushing",just merely getting the ball back and knowing how to not miss,and the other side of the coin is you have kids who are so physically bigger and stronger and have an early growth spurt and just over power all the smaller kids.... that's why the real players of the future(in the boys)don't really show up until the 16s and 18s when the playing field gets more leveled out...

I'd say there's a positive correlation between success in the 12 and 14s and success in the 16s and 18s. Most of the guys who do best in the 16s and 18s also do well in the 14s, and to a lesser extent, the 12s. I don't think Christian Harrison and Alex Halebian, for example, are less likely to succeed in older age groups because of their success in the lower age groups. I think it's the other way around. Still, if your point is merely that one should not get carried away by such results, I won't disagree with that.
 
Kozlov's father does not run an Academy, he rents few courts in a public park and gloriously calls it an Academy. One should have a look at that "Academy" and everything will become clear, there is no coaching going on there, who is the coach? His dad? His mom was the only one with a tennis background but I think she parted ways with her husband.

Anyway, in response to the guy who prefers Kozlov's game to Kerznerman's or Baughman's, I have one thing to say: you can have Kozlov, I will try to make a player out of Deighton or Daniel instead. Both Deighton's and Daniel's games are far more advanced than Kozlov's.

Ahh, arrogance. Kozlov runs an academy....an academy can be one rickety court like the one in Russia that turns out great players....or the empty pool that Ivanovic practiced in when she was young. So what if he rents courts at CB Smith park?

Kozlov has a nice tennis background, being a top player in Macedonia is still solid experience. Its not like Nick B. or Macci won Grand Slams. Solid coaches come from various backgrounds.

Kozlov does a great job on his "rented courts", he has some nice players he has produced.

Sounds like you have personal issues with Kozlov....I have seen him with some hotties, maybe he stole your girl or something.
 

mrmo1115

Hall of Fame
Ahh, arrogance. Kozlov runs an academy....an academy can be one rickety court like the one in Russia that turns out great players....or the empty pool that Ivanovic practiced in when she was young. So what if he rents courts at CB Smith park?

Kozlov has a nice tennis background, being a top player in Macedonia is still solid experience. Its not like Nick B. or Macci won Grand Slams. Solid coaches come from various backgrounds.

Kozlov does a great job on his "rented courts", he has some nice players he has produced.

Sounds like you have personal issues with Kozlov....I have seen him with some hotties, maybe he stole your girl or something.

I actually have a friend who went down to this "academy" and he gave me some negative feedback on it. He said that they were very arrogant and they didn't treat him well.

Just what I was told, nothing further.
 

tenniscp

Semi-Pro
Ahh, arrogance. Kozlov runs an academy....an academy can be one rickety court like the one in Russia that turns out great players....or the empty pool that Ivanovic practiced in when she was young. So what if he rents courts at CB Smith park?

Kozlov has a nice tennis background, being a top player in Macedonia is still solid experience. Its not like Nick B. or Macci won Grand Slams. Solid coaches come from various backgrounds.

Kozlov does a great job on his "rented courts", he has some nice players he has produced.

Sounds like you have personal issues with Kozlov....I have seen him with some hotties, maybe he stole your girl or something.

You are absolutely right about good coaches coming from different backgrounds. One does not have to be a top player to be a good coach, but to put Kozlov into the category of solid coaches is a travesty. You must visit his "academy" for a day, and take along a Russian translator to understand what is being taught and how.

Kozlov did not steal my girlfriend..... he stole my boyfriend lol, and i am using this forum to get him back. You must have been joking, I have nothing against Kozlov as an individual, do not know him enough to like him or dislike him, i just do not care enough. However, as a teaching tennis pro, it does bug me a bit that he is mentioned in the same breath with tennis professionals.
 
You are absolutely right about good coaches coming from different backgrounds. One does not have to be a top player to be a good coach, but to put Kozlov into the category of solid coaches is a travesty. You must visit his "academy" for a day, and take along a Russian translator to understand what is being taught and how.

Kozlov did not steal my girlfriend..... he stole my boyfriend lol, and i am using this forum to get him back. You must have been joking, I have nothing against Kozlov as an individual, do not know him enough to like him or dislike him, i just do not care enough. However, as a teaching tennis pro, it does bug me a bit that he is mentioned in the same breath with tennis professionals.

I must stick up for Mr Kozlof , he's doing a pretty good job with some of the juniors he coaching "juniors" and theirs two different ways of coaching juniors, make them great juniors or plan their road for the future ,he's having some good results, i thought he outcoached Deiton very well ,Stephens game like i said tended to be on the defensive quite a bit but he got the job done ,and for his dad to watch deiton and come up with a gameplan to beat him was great ,you have to give the man some credit.He has some dreams for his kids and i hope the best for them
 

tenniscp

Semi-Pro
I must stick up for Mr Kozlof , he's doing a pretty good job with some of the juniors he coaching "juniors" and theirs two different ways of coaching juniors, make them great juniors or plan their road for the future ,he's having some good results, i thought he outcoached Deiton very well ,Stephens game like i said tended to be on the defensive quite a bit but he got the job done ,and for his dad to watch deiton and come up with a gameplan to beat him was great ,you have to give the man some credit.He has some dreams for his kids and i hope the best for them

Very well everyone, stick up for Kozlov or not, it is your choice. There is not much great coaching involved in beating Deiton at this level. Basic strategy is neutralize his power and annoy him with off pace shots. What other chances does Kozlov have to beat Deiton or Kerznerman, he is not on their level tennis wise, but is probably ahead of them in being able to handle a big match. Of course one has to consider the fact that there was no pressure for Kozlov in that tourney, he was not the favorite there. Notice though, that right after that, in Orange Bowl, Kozlov lost second round. The reason was that now he was expected to do well and the pressure kicked in, and the same thing happened to Kozlov that happened to Deiton and Kerznerman at Eddie Herr.
 

Fred

Rookie
There is not much great coaching involved in beating Deiton at this level. Basic strategy is neutralize his power and annoy him with off pace shots.

That strategy is used on all levels of tennis.

Of course one has to consider the fact that there was no pressure for Kozlov in that tourney, he was not the favorite there.

Of course one also has to consider that he is two years younger. That's why there was less pressure on him. He's not supposed to win against substantially older, bigger, "far more advanced" players. Yet he did. I think that's deserving of some credit. If some guy ranked #800 in the world beats Roger Federer, I don't think it should be dismissed because he didn't have any pressure on him.

In addition, expectations actually were pretty high for Kozlov because he reached the fourth round in 2007 and had established himself as one of the elite players in the 12s.

Notice though, that right after that, in Orange Bowl, Kozlov lost second round. The reason was that now he was expected to do well and the pressure kicked in

I'm not sure how you can be so certain about that. There are other reasons why he (and Baughman and Kerznerman) could have lost, but regardless, the fact that he was such a favorite to begin with says something about him.
 
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Fred i agree with a lot of your points and i think Kozlof deserves a lot of credit beating Kerz and Deit , i think those were 2 huge wins for him , i think Kerz and Deit did a horrible job not making the adjustments needed to win ,in Kerz is case it was the moonball i was surprised he didn't move in and take them out of the air but maybe cause of his size he doesn't feel comfortable ,with Deit it was a matter of not trying to rip winners cause he had him running corner to corner then try and pull the trigger.unfortunately the unforced errors piled up before the winners did! None the less Koz runs fast and put enough balls between the lines ,and i really think if you can fend a guy off thats pushing you all around the court you really deserves a lot of credit!!
 
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