why cant johnny blaze get an ATP point?

pushing_wins · 07-30-2012, 02:57 PM

i think this answers the often asked question of "can i go pro?"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature...&v=UQIkeeS3Fto

nature, nurture, effort, motivation, technique, age......what is it?

LeeD · 07-30-2012, 03:04 PM

Lotta talk. I think maybe he should try USING his talent, not fight it.

arche3 · 07-30-2012, 03:30 PM

Is he a ttw poster?

Timbo's hopeless slice · 07-30-2012, 03:33 PM

he isn't good enough, that's all. You can be as fit as you want but if you don't have the shots, forget it..

Limpinhitter · 07-30-2012, 04:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pushing_wins

i think this answers the often asked question of "can i go pro?"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature...&v=UQIkeeS3Fto

nature, nurture, effort, motivation, technique, age......what is it?

This has to be a hoax.

Timbo's hopeless slice · 07-30-2012, 04:18 PM

Nah, John(ny 'Blaze') Valenti has been around for years, he is quite a character but isn't much of a player.

tennis_balla · 07-30-2012, 04:24 PM

I remember reading his site way back, maybe in 2004? He's been playing for a while, and used to not sure if he still does, but used to keep a blog with photos from all his travels on his site.

ChiefAce · 07-30-2012, 04:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pushing_wins

i think this answers the often asked question of "can i go pro?"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature...&v=UQIkeeS3Fto

nature, nurture, effort, motivation, technique, age......what is it?

It starts with the strokes, this guy has been grinding for 10 years now in futures and has yet to get an ATP point, and it's only going to get tougher with the improved depth at the futures and qualifying level. Funny guy, I wish him all the best, he has no weapons, but is a good player. 5.0+, but not capable of getting a point on tour. He has gotten as far as you can with footwork/conditioning as your primary weapon, it takes quite a bit more after that.

Larrysümmers · 07-30-2012, 04:47 PM

ive got a lot of respect for the dude. he's living his life to the fullest and looks like he's having tons of fun. i have him on FB and talk to him once in a while. he's just a happy feller. he's pretty decent of a player too, he'd be able to hold his own here i'm sure.

r2473 · 07-30-2012, 04:52 PM

he reminds me of spadea for some reason

kcmiser · 07-30-2012, 05:58 PM

Never heard of the guy prior to this thread, but I clicked on the original link anyway. Thought he was kind of a nut, but his crazy determination got me curious enough to go to his site. Clicked around for a while and I have to say I'm a fan. Dude loves the game, and knows he's not got the talent or technique of his opponents, but refuses to give in. He's got a dream, and he's living it, and taking all the heartbreak that comes along with it.

Like most adult males, I had dreams of athletic glory growing up, and at some point realized that I didn't have what it takes. I moved on to a path toward a nice, dull life of an office job, kids' soccer on Saturdays, and tennis only as a bit of minor competition and excercise.

I'm very happy, and wouldn't trade places with this dude given the chance, but there's something awesome about a guy who's out there keeping it going for absolutely nothing but the pure love of the game.

Oh, and one more thing. This is the best "bag check" ever in my book:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ad05T...feature=relmfu

smoledman · 07-30-2012, 06:01 PM

So muscles isn't where it's at for tennis? It's better to have unreal hand-eye coordination like Federer.

OldFedIsOld · 07-30-2012, 06:32 PM

Been looking at some blogs and other things about this guy, have to respect his dedication to the sport. He deserves at least 1 win for the amount of love for the game he has.

LeeD · 07-30-2012, 06:42 PM

Been perusing some vids, haven't seen HIM hitting at all. Has he posted vids of him hitting, or is this all hearsay?
I assume ( I, ***, u, and me) he can hit pretty well.

connico · 07-30-2012, 07:05 PM

I had a pretty extensive look at his profile; couldn't find a post with actual hitting?? So yeah... anyone got a link?

kcmiser · 07-30-2012, 07:48 PM

I found very little. Here's one of the few matchplay vids I found. Apologies in advance if it is not truly representative. I have no idea. WARNING: it ain't pretty.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bSODJQYHpIs

Timbo's hopeless slice · 07-30-2012, 07:51 PM

There is a bit of him hitting in this one
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RWSBH...eature=related

athleticstennis · 07-30-2012, 08:01 PM

Maybe he started late. If someone starts after the age of 10 the chances of becoming a pro are minimal. It has to be a freak to occur. And even if you start early (before 7) it takes a lot of time and practice.

boramiNYC · 07-30-2012, 08:39 PM

He seems to lag in intelligence department of mental capacity. Unless he improves that it'll hold back all the other parts of development in mastering a skill.

TenFanLA · 07-30-2012, 09:44 PM

This guy is hilarious. Good for him. All desire and (almost) no talent. Some guys have a ton of natural talent but no heart.

07-30-2012, 02:57 PM	#1
pushing_wins Hall Of Fame Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 2,454	why cant johnny blaze get an ATP point? i think this answers the often asked question of "can i go pro?" http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature...&v=UQIkeeS3Fto nature, nurture, effort, motivation, technique, age......what is it?

07-30-2012, 03:30 PM	#3
arche3 Hall Of Fame Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 2,673	Is he a ttw poster? __________________ Babolat AeroProDrive GT. (x3) Babolat VS blk gut 16/Lux 4G 16 (55/52) 350 grams, 8 points HL, 336 SW

07-30-2012, 03:33 PM	#4
Timbo's hopeless slice Hall Of Fame Join Date: Feb 2011 Posts: 3,163	he isn't good enough, that's all. You can be as fit as you want but if you don't have the shots, forget it.. __________________ 5.0 all courter. Donnay X-Dual Platinum 99s (my son has stolen the Volkls!) "Tennis isn't easy" - Corners

07-30-2012, 04:18 PM	#6
Timbo's hopeless slice Hall Of Fame Join Date: Feb 2011 Posts: 3,163	Nah, John(ny 'Blaze') Valenti has been around for years, he is quite a character but isn't much of a player. __________________ 5.0 all courter. Donnay X-Dual Platinum 99s (my son has stolen the Volkls!) "Tennis isn't easy" - Corners

07-30-2012, 04:24 PM	#7
tennis_balla Hall Of Fame Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Here and There Posts: 2,280	I remember reading his site way back, maybe in 2004? He's been playing for a while, and used to not sure if he still does, but used to keep a blog with photos from all his travels on his site. __________________ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m9_840isSsI

07-30-2012, 04:52 PM	#10
r2473 Legend Join Date: Aug 2006 Posts: 5,412	he reminds me of spadea for some reason __________________ “An ounce of bacon is worth a pound ounce of prevention.”