Mercedes $$$ Tournament in Phoenix

10isDad · 12-09-2011, 01:14 PM

For anybody in the Phoenix area, next week there is a large money tournament at the Village Racquet Club in Phoenix. Several very good junior (including Deiton B) are competing, as are several current and former touring professionals.

Pros include former world #13 Andrei Pavel and several players ranked between 180 and 1800, including Roman Borvanov, Nick Monroe, Chris Wettengel, Brian Battistone and others.

Could be a good chance to see how the juniors match up against low- to mid-level touring professionals. I will hopefully be posting a few pictures.

TennisCoachFLA · 12-09-2011, 01:48 PM

That is a nice field. Another TT poster Tony Larson is also playing.

joe sch · 12-09-2011, 02:32 PM

I always enjoy watching Brian Battistone playing with his jump serves and dual handle racket. Wonder if he is playing dubs with Chris Wettengel ?

10isDad · 12-09-2011, 02:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by joe sch

I always enjoy watching Brian Battistone playing with his jump serves and dual handle racket. Wonder if he is playing dubs with his bro ?

I talked w/ Brian a few months ago and he said his brother is officially retired (wanted to spend more time w/ family).

Brian is playing w/ Chris Wettengel.

TonLars · 12-12-2011, 08:34 PM

Yup, should be a good tournament. Im playing doubles with Deiton.

GRANITECHIEF · 12-13-2011, 08:01 AM

That sounds like a great tourney.

Tonlars, did that doubles pairing come about as a result of your participation on this forum? Just curious how you guys linked up and if you've played any sets with the young lad.

TonLars · 12-13-2011, 05:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GRANITECHIEF

That sounds like a great tourney.

Tonlars, did that doubles pairing come about as a result of your participation on this forum? Just curious how you guys linked up and if you've played any sets with the young lad.

Hey! I have heard of him and read stuff including from this forum, but never seen him play in person. Once I saw he was in the tournament I sent a message to Brad through youtube that I needed someone to warmup before matches and possibly play doubles. Ive talked with him on the phone a couple times, they seem very motivated and nice at the same time.

I went to school and played tennis in Santa Barbara my first 2 years, I wonder if I ever came across you? Back then I wasnt anywhere close to the playing level I am at now though.

TennisCoachFLA · 12-13-2011, 06:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TonLars

Hey! I have heard of him and read stuff including from this forum, but never seen him play in person. Once I saw he was in the tournament I sent a message to Brad through youtube that I needed someone to warmup before matches and possibly play doubles. Ive talked with him on the phone a couple times, they seem very motivated and nice at the same time.

I went to school and played tennis in Santa Barbara my first 2 years, I wonder if I ever came across you? Back then I wasnt anywhere close to the playing level I am at now though.

Actually this is a great dynamic Tony. His dad is saying its pros or nothing, college is no option. You excelled in college, on court and with the academics. You have also seen the immense jump in ability even at the 500-800 ATP level....let alone that completely different level needed to make money, which is a top 75 or so player.

I had the pleasure of working with Sekou Banhoura Jr. and remain close with him and his dad. He has given me some insight on the amazing level jumps in tennis from juniors, smaller college, top college, lower pros, and the special ones in the top 100.

I have a feeling with all your experience you will have a hunch after this tournaments if this is a kid who should be bypassing a college scholarship to gamble on the pros...or not. Of course your opinion will and should be kept private.

But to be quite honest, after all these years of bantering with BB, I would love to be able to read your mind on the topic after this tourny!

Have fun and best of luck.

Timbo's hopeless slice · 12-13-2011, 06:20 PM

and good luck to both of y'all, too...

chalkflewup · 12-13-2011, 06:22 PM

TCF,

Can you confirm a rumor? Did SB Junior leave Florida to go pro? I certainly hope not.

TennisCoachFLA · 12-13-2011, 07:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chalkflewup

TCF,

Can you confirm a rumor? Did SB Junior leave Florida to go pro? I certainly hope not.

Well, like any young guy with starry eyes, he is torn. Still on the team for 2011.....dad trying to keep him on track with the schooling. Not easy at that age.

Here is a nice piece from the summer.

http://www.addvantageuspta.com/%28S%...ookieSupport=1

himynameisNIKE · 12-13-2011, 08:26 PM

Playing this in singles, dubs, and mixed. Love beating up on the older guys lol

10isDad · 12-14-2011, 05:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by himynameisNIKE

Playing this in singles, dubs, and mixed. Love beating up on the older guys lol

You have a fairly favorable draw in the singles and should win a couple rounds. Dubs is going to be rough for you guys. Mixed - you should get one win.

10isDad · 12-14-2011, 05:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TennisCoachFLA

Actually this is a great dynamic Tony. His dad is saying its pros or nothing, college is no option. You excelled in college, on court and with the academics. You have also seen the immense jump in ability even at the 500-800 ATP level....let alone that completely different level needed to make money, which is a top 75 or so player.

I had the pleasure of working with Sekou Banhoura Jr. and remain close with him and his dad. He has given me some insight on the amazing level jumps in tennis from juniors, smaller college, top college, lower pros, and the special ones in the top 100.

I have a feeling with all your experience you will have a hunch after this tournaments if this is a kid who should be bypassing a college scholarship to gamble on the pros...or not. Of course your opinion will and should be kept private.

But to be quite honest, after all these years of bantering with BB, I would love to be able to read your mind on the topic after this tourny!

Have fun and best of luck.

Should be interesting for DB. He secured a seed by virtue of having some wins in a qualie for a SoCal future. His first two probable opponents are both serve-volley players. I would guess he will get past the first opponent with relative ease. The guy he should play 2nd has sick hands and is a great volleyer. DB may well win this one, but he's going to have to hit a ton of well-aimed passing shots to do so.

GRANITECHIEF · 12-14-2011, 08:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TennisCoachFLA

Well, like any young guy with starry eyes, he is torn. Still on the team for 2011.....dad trying to keep him on track with the schooling. Not easy at that age.

Here is a nice piece from the summer.

http://www.addvantageuspta.com/%28S%...ookieSupport=1

Wonderding if he is still torn at the moment after playing nearly 20 events in 2011 (mostly futures and a few challenger quallies) and winning 1 round in roughly every other one.

TennisCoachFLA · 12-14-2011, 09:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GRANITECHIEF

Wonderding if he is still torn at the moment after playing nearly 20 events in 2011 (mostly futures and a few challenger quallies) and winning 1 round in roughly every other one.

Yup, I think reality is entering the picture. I think many posters have no idea how huge a jump it is from even top juniors to the pros. I doubt many would argue against that Sekou is a much better player than the other kid discussed here...and still hard to even sniff at the pros.

GRANITECHIEF · 12-14-2011, 09:14 AM

I'd actually like to see that match. Would probably lean toward DB, as I wasn't actually that impressed when i hit with jr.

TennisCoachFLA · 12-14-2011, 09:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GRANITECHIEF

I'd actually like to see that match. Would probably lean toward DB, as I wasn't actually that impressed when i hit with jr.

I would take that action all day long and twice on Sunday. Lots more goes into winning a match than just hitting hard. Sorry, DB is not near that level. SB's resume has quite a few wins over top 30 18s, not so with DB.

Just look at the Zoo. Bangoura beat guys ranked 4,35,18,7,10,3. DB beat 106 and 92.

Night and day, different levels of tennis in actual matches. I would bet you $10000 on that match!

GRANITECHIEF · 12-14-2011, 09:31 AM

Yeah, thats true, but it would probably be fun to watch and somewhat competitive.

TennisCoachFLA · 12-14-2011, 09:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GRANITECHIEF

Yeah, thats true, but it would probably be fun to watch and somewhat competitive.

A ha....I would go with that. No pressure on DB would even things out and make it 'somewhat' competitive.

But SB knows how to play the game, construct points, disguise his shots, use angles and spins, use the opponents pace. At this point, he would take that match no doubt.

12-09-2011, 02:32 PM	#3
joe sch Hall Of Fame Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Hotel CA Posts: 4,205	I always enjoy watching Brian Battistone playing with his jump serves and dual handle racket. Wonder if he is playing dubs with Chris Wettengel ? Last edited by joe sch : 12-09-2011 at 02:45 PM.

12-12-2011, 08:34 PM	#5
TonLars Professional Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Minnesota, USA Posts: 1,449	Yup, should be a good tournament. Im playing doubles with Deiton. __________________ Solinco Tour Bite string

12-13-2011, 06:20 PM	#9
Timbo's hopeless slice Hall Of Fame Join Date: Feb 2011 Posts: 3,159	and good luck to both of y'all, too... __________________ 5.0 all courter. Donnay X-Dual Platinum 99s (my son has stolen the Volkls!) "Tennis isn't easy" - Corners

12-13-2011, 08:26 PM	#12
himynameisNIKE Professional Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 1,429	Playing this in singles, dubs, and mixed. Love beating up on the older guys lol __________________ Youtek Prestige Pro/Volk cyclone @54 :)

12-14-2011, 09:14 AM	#17
GRANITECHIEF Hall Of Fame Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Santa Barbara Posts: 3,341	I'd actually like to see that match. Would probably lean toward DB, as I wasn't actually that impressed when i hit with jr. Last edited by GRANITECHIEF : 12-14-2011 at 09:17 AM.