I think college tennis is definitely creating better pro players at the lower levels.
Collegians in summer ITF/ATP events
- Thread starter jcgatennismom
- Start date
Nostradamus
Bionic Poster
Women's college tennis producing some good players but not Men. Men are just struggling to get into top 200. if anything, those european guys are doing better but they don't count because they aren't americans. All the american tennis players aren't even going to college if they have any talent at all,, examples like tommy paul, Tiafoe and so on
Yeah I hope Shelton breaks into the top 200 soon
Nostradamus
Bionic Poster
Shelton has been disappoiinting so far. he's supposed to be top 10 by now. but where is he ?
If he was a Standford player we'd never hear the end of it.
In the meantime Norrie and Giron are in the top 50.
Here's some recent (within the last couple of weeks) data:
Shelton (Florida), Giron (UCLA), Eubanks (GT), Nakashima (UVA), Kovacevic, Wolf (Illinois), Moreno De Alboran (UCSB), Kypson (TAMU), Cressy (UCLA). Those are just the Americans that have played D1 college tennis are/were inside the Top 200. That's 4% of the top 200. That's significant considering how many different countries are represented in the rankings.
Add Norrie (TCU), Borges (Miss. State), Koepfer (Tulane), Vukic (Ilinois), Rinderknech (TAMU), Hijikata (UNC), Adam Walton (Tenn), Yanick Hanfmann (So. Cal), Valentin Vacherot (TAMU), Gabriel Diallo (Kentucky), Alexis Galarneau (NC State), Borna Gojo (WF), Alex Ritschard (UVA). Combined with the Americans, that's almost 10% of the top 200.
Nostradamus
Bionic Poster
foreign players don't count
So you ignored the list of Americans?
LOBALOT
Legend
He was like that in juniors too. Start losing..... "Ooop my hip.... my hip..."
anindit gopalakrishnan
Rookie
Lol he's had 3 knee surgeries and a wrist surgery before he turned 19. im sure he just got those for the attention
Impressed by Adam Neff, the recent SMU grad who received a wildcard to the Dallas 25k and is in the final against Colton Smith of AZ. Just beat Karue Sell 3&4 in the SF and dropped a single set enroute. Aggressive baseliner.
Also good to see Smith making his run. This guy has the chops. He had a great run at the NCAAs with wins over Basavareddy, Cassone and Tarvet. Had to go through qualies in this Dallas tourney and then worked his way to the final. Could end up being one of the top players in the Big 12 (and nationally) this coming season.
Also good to see Smith making his run. This guy has the chops. He had a great run at the NCAAs with wins over Basavareddy, Cassone and Tarvet. Had to go through qualies in this Dallas tourney and then worked his way to the final. Could end up being one of the top players in the Big 12 (and nationally) this coming season.
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Tien on the rampage again, now in the final of the Lakewood CA 15k (why on earth is he playing a 15k!!) Will play Nanda of UCLA after a close fought match against Quan the Bruin freshman. I like the UCLA roster this coming year. Quan and Bigun joining Nanda, Johnson and company. They will be much more of a force in the B1G than their crosstown rival USC.
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anindit gopalakrishnan
Rookie
Im pretty sure nanda’s done with his elligibility. Anyways it really is silly for Tien to be playing yet another 15k, hope to see him in some challengers at the very least in the summer
I could be wrong but am going off the assumption that Nanda left for the tour following his sophomore season which if true would give him another year.
And with you on Tien. Only benefit of playing low level Futures is he gets to extend his win streak.
jcgatennismom
Hall of Fame
Spiz loses in SF of Winnipeg but gets last WC into Newport MD. Has he played on grass before?
jcgatennismom
Hall of Fame
Newport Qualis start today. 4 collegians in Q draw-Broom (already lost), Fearnley (playing a 3rd set), Trotter, and Thai K. All these are ranked 250ish to 300. Winning a match or 2 even in Qualis could be key to US Open Quali direct entry-isn’t the cutoff around 250 in Slams for direct entry?
Americans like Tien, Basavareddy etc will have a chance at WC without having to break 300; there is the US Open Wild Card Challenge running from 7/1 to 8/4-whichever American wins the most points over 4 tourneys from 25k up incl CH and ATP Qualis will get a MD WC. Could be a young guy coming up (best) or older guy trying to revive career-Steve Johnson won it last year. A few posts back, someone asked why Nikesh played injured-could be he was trying for the points for the MD WC. However there will be additional WCs given-not sure how the others will be decided…
Americans like Tien, Basavareddy etc will have a chance at WC without having to break 300; there is the US Open Wild Card Challenge running from 7/1 to 8/4-whichever American wins the most points over 4 tourneys from 25k up incl CH and ATP Qualis will get a MD WC. Could be a young guy coming up (best) or older guy trying to revive career-Steve Johnson won it last year. A few posts back, someone asked why Nikesh played injured-could be he was trying for the points for the MD WC. However there will be additional WCs given-not sure how the others will be decided…
jcgatennismom
Hall of Fame
50% of the Newport MD (12 excl Qualifiers who are playing now) are former collegians. Only 2 got in via WC so 10/24 so 42% got in on current rankings. The 250s were a sweet spot for collegians trying to break into the Tour-the replacement of 250s with more 500s will make it harder for collegians to jump from Challengers to Tour. Last year at ATL, 3 of the 8 QFs were collegians. So far 7/18 MD players reported are collegians (incl Andres Martin) which is almost 40%. Will be interesting to see who the final WC,LE, SE’s will be to MD
Nostradamus
Bionic Poster
insane domination by Basavareddy today
Q1
B. Kuzuhara
(7)
Defeats
(WC)
J. Lapadat
63 64H2H
Followed By
Q1
N. Basavareddy
(3)
Defeats
(WC)
K. Rice
61 61H2H
Sun, 14 July, 2024 (Day 1)
Court CentralStarts At 9:00 amQ1
B. Kuzuhara
(7)
Defeats
(WC)
J. Lapadat
63 64H2H
Followed By
Q1
N. Basavareddy
(3)
Defeats
(WC)
K. Rice
61 61H2H
anindit gopalakrishnan
Rookie
25 in a row for tien … I’m going to lose if it he plays any more 15ks
he had just won the Challenger up in MI, may have chosen to go home and rest and play a closer tournament, matches are matches right now for him
I'm with you. I gotta believe he and his team are working on areas of his game they know have to be improved to compete at the higher levels. Hopefully that's the case. Like you I want to see him jumping up more regularly to the challenger level very soon.
Nostradamus
Bionic Poster
he's not good enough yet, he should transfer to the Farm and learn from the best for next 2 years
There's a lot of content here. I'll leave it at simply that would be a bad move.
jcgatennismom
Hall of Fame
After winning 1st set 6-1 in 2nd rd Q today, Nikesh retired early in 3rd set after losing 2nd set TB. He is #2 alternate for Qualis of Chicago Challenger next week which he should get in provided he decides he is fit to play.insane domination by Basavareddy today
Sun, 14 July, 2024 (Day 1)
Court CentralStarts At 9:00 am
Q1
B. Kuzuhara
(7)
Defeats
(WC)
J. Lapadat
63 64H2H
Followed By
Q1
N. Basavareddy
(3)
Defeats
(WC)
K. Rice
61 61H2H
Kid has a hard head. LOL. Hope he gives himself time to get healthy.
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Hope this isn’t a sign of what’s to come ie his body not holding up to the grind. He should pace himself.
I get it, he's likely chasing ATP ranking points and a USO WC race. You are right, he's got to pace himself and take care of his body.
Nostradamus
Bionic Poster
Way to go Tristan Boyer,, thru to the main draw.
bobleenov1963
Hall of Fame
I watched Spizzirri/Tu match yesterday on TC and looks like these former college players are living on a shoestring budget because Spiz was wearing a t-shirt with a chest pocket that cost $4.90 on Uniqlo website 
. Tu was wearing something similar. In other words, they wear something that I wear myself at the local public tennis courts.
I would expect Spiz would wear something nicer because he is playing in the ATP main draw but I guess when you're living on a shoestring budget, it is tough to have decent wardrobes.
. Tu was wearing something similar. In other words, they wear something that I wear myself at the local public tennis courts.I would expect Spiz would wear something nicer because he is playing in the ATP main draw but I guess when you're living on a shoestring budget, it is tough to have decent wardrobes.
He's wearing what he has. Since he's young and not ranked very high he likely has no clothing sponsor or contract. Without a clothing agreement (same goes for racquets/gear) the smart player will not wear clothing with logo or racquet with stencil on them. I've seen top 50 players without a racquet deal black out their racquet they may have played with for years to give their former sponsor as little publicity as possible. Where it's smart it this lets prospective sponsors know the player may be open working out a deal.I watched Spizzirri/Tu match yesterday on TC and looks like these former college players are living on a shoestring budget because Spiz was wearing a t-shirt with a chest pocket that cost $4.90 on Uniqlo website
I would expect Spiz would wear something nicer because he is playing in the ATP main draw but I guess when you're living on a shoestring budget, it is tough to have decent wardrobes.
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The short overhead Tu missed serving at 6-5 30-30 in the second set was among the worst misses I’ve ever seen from a pro tennis player - a top 20 bad shot - made me feel pretty good about some of the mistakes I makeI watched Spizzirri/Tu match yesterday on TC and looks like these former college players are living on a shoestring budget because Spiz was wearing a t-shirt with a chest pocket that cost $4.90 on Uniqlo website
I would expect Spiz would wear something nicer because he is playing in the ATP main draw but I guess when you're living on a shoestring budget, it is tough to have decent wardrobes.
jcgatennismom
Hall of Fame
The ITF tourneys may have rules about size of logo. U would think players would wear their wicking college T-shirts with the smaller logos-usually the kits have some of both. Some TDs may be stricter than others. True story-my son was playing a Future with 2 teammates. One came up to him shirtless and excited saying he’d just made $50. The TD at the event told a guy about to go on court, he couldn’t wear his shirt. The guy was so desperate he paid for the teammate’s sweaty shirt who’d just come off court after a summer match. Sure that player never made that mistake again. Who cares about name brand athletic clothes? Spend the $ on strings, racquets, and shoes…I watched Spizzirri/Tu match yesterday on TC and looks like these former college players are living on a shoestring budget because Spiz was wearing a t-shirt with a chest pocket that cost $4.90 on Uniqlo website
I would expect Spiz would wear something nicer because he is playing in the ATP main draw but I guess when you're living on a shoestring budget, it is tough to have decent wardrobes.
RIght. Reminds me of a similar story. Years ago at the former ATP event in Memphis, one of the UofM player received a WC into the qualifying. He comes to the court in his team shirt. The umpire informs him he can not wear a college logo during the match. The player protests but to no avail. His biggest problem was the shirt he was wearing was the only one he had. So he has to borrow a shirt from a teammate to play the match! LOL
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Have to say I enjoy the Served Podcast with Andy Roddick quite a bit. And here they have a segment on College Tennis at the end of the Wimby recap show. Of course they don;t get too much into the weeds with it, but mention the possibility of doing a whole show on it at some point. John Wertheim can be a tough read/watch at times, but he's on point with regards to the economics of high level college tennis vs. Futures for young players and how much BETTER college tennis is for those who aren't quite ready as teens to go pro. Check it out.
Also, earlier in that Served Podcast, they talk about the Men's Wimbledon Doubles Champions, Patten and Heliövaara. Patten of course went to UNC Asheville. Got to see him and Julian Cash in the NorCal Challengers in '22 at Tiburon and Fairfield and would have never in a million years thought I was watching a future Wimbledon Champion. Crazy story.
You shouldn't be spending more than your earn. I'd be wearing Fruit of Loom tees that came in a six pack for $15 if they were moisture-wicking. Economically, very few of these men and women battling at the lower levels have funds for "nice" clothing regardless of where they are in the tournament draw.I watched Spizzirri/Tu match yesterday on TC and looks like these former college players are living on a shoestring budget because Spiz was wearing a t-shirt with a chest pocket that cost $4.90 on Uniqlo website
I would expect Spiz would wear something nicer because he is playing in the ATP main draw but I guess when you're living on a shoestring budget, it is tough to have decent wardrobes.
atatu
Legend
The Vuori shirts cost more like $60 a pop, I think the pocket version was last years model though. I also wasn't crazy about his Vuori hat, but I'm pretty sure he gets that stuff for free and they're really nice clothes, so much better than the Nike crap. I think Giron was wearing Vuori at some point as well ? Of course if you're Livvy Dunne they pay you to wear those clothes.I watched Spizzirri/Tu match yesterday on TC and looks like these former college players are living on a shoestring budget because Spiz was wearing a t-shirt with a chest pocket that cost $4.90 on Uniqlo website
I would expect Spiz would wear something nicer because he is playing in the ATP main draw but I guess when you're living on a shoestring budget, it is tough to have decent wardrobes.
bobleenov1963
Hall of Fame
Agreed but first impression is very important. I would wear polo shirt and khaki pant for an interview at some unknown companies but I would definitely wear suit and tie for an interview at Goldman Sachs. Context is everything.
Goldman Sachs is the ATP main draw in this case. Just my 2c.
jcgatennismom
Hall of Fame
Your first impression on the tennis courts is your serve, not your clothes. You can have the newest Nike kit, bag of 6 racquets, but be killed 0,0 by a kid in a ratty Tshirt and 2 racquets in a no name back pack. Your clothes dont matter unless you are an American influencer GF of a US tennis pro-then your clothes might get you a Vogue cover LOL.
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bobleenov1963
Hall of Fame
You show up for an interview at GS or JPM in a suit and tie, NOT in polo shirt and khaki pant. Context matters. You don't have to spend a lot of money to look decent. From what I saw Spiz on the TC, he looks like someone coming off a local public tennis court.
jcgatennismom
Hall of Fame
Today at 10am is the finals of the final Atlanta Open WC playoff for a Quali WC. The ATL Open has done a lot to support college players, so it is fitting than two very different former collegians will face off in this final: unranked Atlanta native 33yo Kevin King who played for GT and whose career high was 162 6 years ago and 27yo Kiranpal Pannu of New Zealand (but has been based in GA probably for 5+ years) who played for D2 Columbus State and is at a CH of 444. Each year 4 preliminary WC tournaments are played, and the 4 winners meet up in SFs, then finals to determine winner. I am glad Kevin King beat Donald Young who for the last 2-3 years beat out Tyler Stice of Auburn for the Q WC; I dont think Stice competed this year. I hope KP can win the WC; I think he won it once before. In the small world of tennis, we dont find 6 degrees of separation, usually it is just 3-4. My son became friends with KP when they both ended up in a group of 4 guys who traveled to a Future together-never had met before. KP ended up losing in the 1st rd of Qualis. We remember when Trent Bryde who was once top 10 jr ITF played U12 ALTA C level tennis at age 9; of course he often beat his 12yo opponents 8-1. Most players who arent USTA boarded have to start at the bottom, but they can end up playing for college or even making $$ on the Tour. Most former P5 tennis players (and even some MMs) can claim a past win vs a couple guys now in the top 200 or 300, and see that guy on ESPN+ play a Slam Quali. It is both the best of times and the worst of times for tennis. UTR and USTA/ITF are fighting a turf war on rankings which force young junior and college players to have to navigate two systems to earn to two different but incomplete rankings. Yet on the bright side a former collegian like Kovacevic is at a CH of 83 and playing in the MD of ATL Open when his junior ITF CH was only 528 with most of his jr iTF play in Florida.
Bob,
Congrats on working GS and JPM into another thread. Great analogy.
Last time I checked tennis is a meritocracy. BTW, I saw what he was wearing and it's not as bad as you're trying to make it out to be.
This!!!
"It's not about the clothes they wear, it's about the game they play. Focus on the skills and passion for tennis, not the price tag on their shirt."
If that concerned, maybe Bobleenov1963 could buy some expensive kit and share it out amongst those less fortunate?
I remember the first time I got "it" handed to me. Me - high level nationally/ITF ranked junior. I was pretty proud of my accomplishments including my branded sponsorships. I wore the gear proudly. I was practicing serves one day at a nearby university's courts when this guy (maybe in his 30s) in tie-dyed shirt, unbranded shorts, a straw sun-hat and two WOOD racquets came out and asked to hit.
I agreed. We ended up playing a match and the guy walked me the first set 6-2. I had never seen topspin like that. The guy had obviously modeled his game after Borg now that I think back. I righted the ship in the 2nd set and won that one 7-5 and closed the matched with a 6-4 3rd set. I was 15. Needless to say, his game was more impressive than his looks and that's what really matters. If a player is within the guidelines of what's acceptable for the tournament, all that matters at that point is how skilled he/she is.
anindit gopalakrishnan
Rookie
I wouldn't be surprised if Spizz just likes that T. Bro is from greenwhich, CT....im sure they can afford a nice kit if they want
atatu
Legend
Again, Vuori shirts are not cheap at all and they are high quality stuff, did anyone notice what Giron was wearing today when he came back to beat Paire ?
anindit gopalakrishnan
Rookie
Tien is playing Kalamazoo anyone know if he's the highest ranked to do it? Honestly, I feel like when you're that much of a favorite, I wonder if the pressure would get to you at all.
anyone know if he's the highest ranked to do it? Honestly, I feel like when you're that much of a favorite, I wonder if the pressure would get to you at all.He's obviously going for the USO WC. I kinda like that he's playing Kalamazoo. Everyone will be gunning for him without expectations. To your point, there has to be pressure as a overwhelming favorite to beat the field. Playing under this type of pressure is a good thing. He better win it. LOLTien is playing Kalamazoo
