I just want to say what a pleasure it has been meeting, hitting and playing with Deiton and hanging with his family. Theres alot that I could say, alot that I think, but Im feeling pretty down right now about my loss and my game so I am going to try to keep it short and leave out alot.
This is a special kid. He has maturity well beyond his years, in so many ways. A great sport, down to earth, a great competitor, nobody works harder than him, very disciplined and thick skin, and he is intelligent. He looks like he is 18 or 19 with his size but is only 15, and if he bulks up a little it will be scary. He already hits big serves and strokes for about anyone, and has sound modern technique overall, and all the shots. All he needs is refinement and experience because he has a ton of potential.
His dad is extremely energetic and motivated, a very nice guy. He is a character and will tell you limitless interesting stories about their story. You can tell Deiton has the drive though too. They tell you how it is in a brash way, but not arrogant at all. They simply have a dream and are pursuing it to the fullest. And as Brad says, there is no way you can reach that dream unless you believe it and go after it, all out 100%. Both he and Deiton's mom have done a fantastic job of raising his character and tennis so far.
I admit that one can be skeptical at first about a family setting their sights on going pro at that age, even when he hasnt won this or that, or beaten such and such, and not having an interest in going the college tennis scholarship route. But this kid just has so much upside, and theyre going after it so hard, and when you only live once it should be worth it for some to go after the dream. He already does indeed have an impressive resume though, but this is a player with again a ton of upside. He can always go back to college or stay with tennis coaching if it doesnt pan out, but theres no reason, for him at least, to keep his nose in front of a book for 4 years when thats not what he is going after ( a scholarship with tennis as a means to an end of a different career path). Its so tough to make it, but if anyone has a chance I would say he has it, so why not go for it. Nobody can say for sure what he will be like in 2-3 years with him getting stronger, more experienced, quicker and better.
The depth of this tournament was extremely high. It is without a doubt great experience for any young player to enter a mens open event like this where several touring pros, some even in the top 300, along with top current and former college players are playing. I would agree its best to supplement along with the highest junior tournaments, but no reason not to play up in 18's and prize money opens. Pete Sampras, and many other great pros, played up with long term aspirations.
It was a great experience to meet this family. While I envy all the opportunities and training he has that I never came close to which would have made me a much better player, I wish him all the best and will be pulling for him to make it big. I think he has a shot to do just that.
