Kozlovers, unite! Stefan slicing his way to the top.

[Sysyphus]

Thought I ought to make a thread designated for one of my three favorite up-and-comers.
Koz just got into the semis of Knoxville, before that coming from a final i Suzhou, now battling for the USTA Australian Open wildcard.

Kid used to be the top dawg in his age bracket from he was, like, tiny, but over the last couple of years has seen himself slightly in the shadow of guys like Zverev, Fritz and Tiafoe. But he's back on track, slowly but consistently working his way through the ranks (143 live race now), and it's very obvious that he's continually working on improving his game and strokes.

Not as physically imposing as some of his peers, not the powerhouse kind of player, but some of the best hands on tour, brainy game, great versatility and uses the net nicely. Some on-court temper too, ha..

So . . . onwards, and hopefully top 100 next year

 

[gogo]

So glad your guy is starting to pick it up again. I was originally a bit put off by his attitude, but after watching him a bit, I think he's just a bit socially awkward with a mild temper and I think he's likely not a bad guy underneath that and will hopefully mature past that phase.

To give him credit, he's seems to have worked hard to come back. I'm happy to cheer him on.

 

[Meles]

Finally had to make this thread designated for one of my three favorite up-and-comers.
Koz just got into the semis of Knoxville, before that coming from a final i Suzhou, now battling for the USTA Australian Open wildcard.

Kid used to be the top dawg in his age bracket from he was, like, tiny, but over the last couple of years has seen himself slightly in the shadow of guys like Zverev, Fritz and Tiafoe. But he's back on track, slowly but consistently working his way through the ranks (143 live race now), and it's very obvious that he's continually working on improving his game and strokes.

Not as physically imposing as some of his peers, not the powerhouse kind of player, but some of the best hands on tour, brainy game, great versatility and uses the net nicely. Some on-court temper too, ha..

So . . . onwards, and hopefully top 100 next year

I just see jumped up junior, but he did well on grass earlier this year. Are we heading towards a Rublev vs Kozlov showdown?

 

[stringertom]

I just see jumped up junior, but he did well on grass earlier this year. Are we heading towards a Rublev vs Kozlov showdown?

Not this week...they are playing on two different continents.

 

[Sysyphus]

So glad your guy is starting to pick it up again. I was originally a bit put off by his attitude, but after watching him a bit, I think he's just a bit socially awkward with a mild temper and I think he's likely not a bad guy underneath that and will hopefully mature past that phase.

To give him credit, he's seems to have worked hard to come back. I'm happy to cheer him on.

i don't see it as awkwardness – by all accounts very sociable off court and well-liked by peers. just overly competitive in-your-face on court, prone to entirely losing his shtick over line calls mixed with some good ol' self-flagellation. stereotypical american "super-brat" really, bit like young Roddick. can be a bit off-putting, i agree.

I just see jumped up junior, but he did well on grass earlier this year. Are we heading towards a Rublev vs Kozlov showdown?

Agreed actually. I wouldn't put my money on him reaching the furthest from his generation. Lacks big and consistent service game, not athletically freaky enough to make up for it by grinding like young Murray/Rafa &c. Very inconsistent too, both from match to match and within matches.

simply enjoy his game a lot. too many ball-bashers and big servers out there, so it's great to see someone rely on lots of variety, good hands, and some clever tactics. plus the occasional (tragi)comedy as per the above.

Not this week...they are playing on two different continents.

hopefully at the AO, nyet?

fun fact, the two of them finished runner up in doubles at junior Wimby '14 and seemingly go quite a while back

Spoiler: LOL

 

[Sysyphus]

and the Kozlovski's semi is on right now. Down 2-0 to an his in-form bud Mike Mmoh who also won their last encounter earlier this fall/summer. So I fear it'll be a tough one today, but still time.

edit: LMFAO, great timing on the thread, Elvis has left the building, 6-0 Mmoh.

 

[stringertom]

Magnanimous Mmoh allows a game to the Koz, 6-0 4-1.

 

[Sysyphus]

Just tuned in a bit. Koz MTO for his shoulder. Commentator sez he's been serving like crap all match, and he's had a taped-up arm all week. Didn't stop him from like 15 aces in two sets in the first round though.
But yeah, no good sign with shoulder injury. It's the all-poly curse of the youngsters @stringertom has mentioned.

Edit: confirmed, just rolling it in, Serve win % in the 30s on both first and second – ouch.

 

[stringertom]

Over, 6-0 6-3 for the very magnanimous Mmoh.

 

[Sysyphus]

Comfy draw in Columbus 2 challenger does wonders — Koz through to the final after beating Sam Barry 5 and 6. Not dropped a set yet I think, and meets Sandgren in the final whom he beat just recently. If he wins, he'll be around #115 in the rankings! Good way to end the year.

 

[Pronate]

One thing I noticed is that he has been hitting his forehands with a straighter arm to give him easier power.

 

[Pronate]

https://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/index.php?threads/ranking-the-rising-u-s-men.577443/

@Sysyphus Can I have your input?

 

[Sysyphus]

One thing I noticed is that he has been hitting his forehands with a straighter arm to give him easier power.

Good observation, I have noticed this too. Definitely more aggressive form on the forehand wing now, which was needed to take the step up from junior-style tennis.

https://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/index.php?threads/ranking-the-rising-u-s-men.577443/

@Sysyphus Can I have your input?

On which of the young Americans have the most potential?

I still think Fritz is the most promising, even though he has reached a bit of a plateau right now. But he has a pro game.

After him I'd probably say Opelka is the safest bet, because he'll just keep improving that serve and he's already giving top players fits.

I'd say Tiafoe has more potential upside than Opelka, but that depends on him being able to transition his technique to the pro level. So he's more of a wildcard, but I'm pulling for him. Astonishing athleticism and great hands.

Behind those three I'd probably put Kozlov. Donaldson, Paul and Mmoh have very solid and steady games, but they're all somewhat limited IMHO. Koz has more talent and a greater range in his game, so I'm thinking he'll keep going further once his game and physique adapts more to the pro game.

 

[stringertom]

Koz to save tennis from Tennys today!

I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United Serfs of Kozlovia!

 

[stringertom]

The Koz up an early break vs mediocre Tennys.

 

[Sysyphus]

Smart money was on Koz as his tennis has crushed Tennys three times this year — and he's delivering thus far, 6-1 first set!

Just one more set for the title, dudes

edit: and I speaketh a tad too soon. broken for 1-3 in the second, but plenty of time still.. double edit: yeah, we goin' three, let's go!

 

[stringertom]

Sandgren rebounds from mediocre Tennys to level his cause vs the Koz.

#SlightlyDisturbing

 

[Sysyphus]

Sandgren rebounds from mediocre Tennys to level his cause vs the Koz.

#SlightlyDisturbing

#Denied

The Kozlovski runs straight to a double break in the decider!

 

[stringertom]

The Koz cause is completed...6-1 2-6 6-2! Congrats to Slicin' Stefan!

 

[Sysyphus]

And a first challenger title is a fact! Gimme a slice of that stuff. #116 in the rankings now — on the climb.

 

[stringertom]

And a first challenger title is a fact! Gimme a slice of that stuff. #116 in the rankings now — on the climb.

Only 25 more to tie the Taiwanese Challenger King!

 

[Sysyphus]

Only 25 more to tie the Taiwanese Challenger King!

He'd know, having been completely drubbed in the final of one of those 25

hopefully he'll progress to the main tour before reaching those title heights tho... I guess entry into those smaller American tourneys (Delray and Memphis?) early next season should be on the agenda now.

 

[stringertom]

He'd know, having been completely drubbed in the final of one of those 25

hopefully he'll progress to the main tour before reaching those title heights tho... I guess entry into those smaller American tourneys (Delray and Memphis?) early next season should be on the agenda now.

With the three concurrent 250's in Doha, Brisbane and Chennai, I would think low 100's would be direct entry in one of them and still give him time to try the AO qualies.

 

[Nacho]

Saw Koz a bunch this week, real impressive. Good strategist, lots of different shots, comes to the net...he may be better on the tour long term then Fritz or some of these other youngsters. Definitely underrated.

And Tennys had a great tournament, hats off to him

 

[Avles]

Got to see him play a bit at the Cary Challenger, was impressed by his touch, his variety and his return game. He definitely seems to have the potential for a solid pro career, I just wonder if he has the power/athleticism to really dominate.

 

[Nacho]

Got to see him play a bit at the Cary Challenger, was impressed by his touch, his variety and his return game. He definitely seems to have the potential for a solid pro career, I just wonder if he has the power/athleticism to really dominate.

I thought so....He is deceivingly fast, and does a good job of changing up pace...Lots of topspin, hits deep, moves people around, very good at constructing points and adjusting his strategy. And, of the young guns I have watched has a net game, not afraid to come in or serve and volley if he has to. With the right coaching has longer legs to me then the other group, he'll be fun to watch

 

[stringertom]

I thought so....He is deceivingly fast, and does a good job of changing up pace...Lots of topspin, hits deep, moves people around, very good at constructing points and adjusting his strategy. And, of the young guns I have watched has a net game, not afraid to come in or serve and volley if he has to. With the right coaching has longer legs to me then the other group, he'll be fun to watch

He could use some longer legs...maybe another inch or two before he stops growing.

 

[Nacho]

He could use some longer legs...maybe another inch or two before he stops growing.

"long legs" meaning he has a better chance a longer career. at 6' he's a decent height. not 6'4" like some of these other guys, but I don't think thats a must to be a top pro as many people do

 

[stringertom]

"long legs" meaning he has a better chance a longer career. at 6' he's a decent height. not 6'4" like some of these other guys, but I don't think thats a must to be a top pro as many people do

I knew your intent...just a play on words.

That 6'1"-6'2" range seems the ideal height to get the combo of power and mobility. In the matches I've seen recently, 6'0" is being generous to The Koz...probably closer to 5'11". He could use an inch or two.

 

[Nacho]

I knew your intent...just a play on words.

That 6'1"-6'2" range seems the ideal height to get the combo of power and mobility. In the matches I've seen recently, 6'0" is being generous to The Koz...probably closer to 5'11". He could use an inch or two.

gotcha...yea doesn't hurt for sure.

 

[okdude1992]

Kozlov has good touch and is crafty. Unfortunately he doesn't seem fit enough or patient enough to be a grinder. Not enough weapons to be a first strike guy... DonaldYoungEsque if you will.

I think it is pretty unlikely he'll go much higher than top 30, unless he adds some new dimensions to his game.

 

[Sysyphus]

When you channel your inner arr0ganterer, koz why not:

Looking forward to seeing how he matches up with Johnson in Delray Beach.

 

[stringertom]

When you channel your inner arr0ganterer, koz why not:

Looking forward to seeing how he matches up with Johnson in Delray Beach.

Hope SJ hates The Big Kozlovski's balls more than Sod's orbs.

 

[Meles]

After watching Kozlov's grand struggle with The Donald last night in IW, its become clear that we've seen this player before. "The Big Cat" Miloslav Mecir was for a brief time a great, great player and his game foreshadows what the Koz may be:

Forehand, backhand, movement, point construction its all on display as a blueprint for Kozlov. "Little Cat", Miloslav Kozlov, making tennis great again.

Little Kat's feline overhead to overhead winner.

 

[stringertom]

After watching Kozlov's grand struggle with The Donald last night in IW, its become clear that we've seen this player before. "The Big Cat" Miloslav Mecir was for a brief time a great, great player and his game foreshadows what the Koz may be:

Forehand, backhand, movement, point construction its all on display as a blueprint for Kozlov. "Little Cat", Miloslav Kozlov, making tennis great again.

Little Kat's feline overhead to overhead winner.

fedresque...Basel vs ARod.

 

[Sysyphus]

After watching Kozlov's grand struggle with The Donald last night in IW, its become clear that we've seen this player before. "The Big Cat" Miloslav Mecir was for a brief time a great, great player and his game foreshadows what the Koz may be:

Forehand, backhand, movement, point construction its all on display as a blueprint for Kozlov. "Little Cat", Miloslav Kozlov, making tennis great again.

Little Kat's feline overhead to overhead winner.

The whole rally is poasted two poasts above yours. Hit a tweener in the same point as well, trickster galore.

I agree that he's somewhat in that Mecir mold. It seem he's a Murray fan, and he's very akin to a Murray without the athleticism as well. Brainy game instead of raw power, great hands, lots of variety at his disposal. (+ on-court attitude, lol) Has to either develop better weapons or magically become a freak athlete a la Murray if he's to make the top with that general style of play though..

 

[Meles]

The whole rally is poasted two poasts above yours. Hit a tweener in the same point as well, trickster galore.

I agree that he's somewhat in that Mecir mold. It seem he's a Murray fan, and he's very akin to a Murray without the athleticism as well. Brainy game instead of raw power, great hands, lots of variety at his disposal. (+ on-court attitude, lol) Has to either develop better weapons or magically become a freak athlete a la Murray if he's to make the top with that general style of play though..

Give him time (still swear Kozlov looks like he's 15 at best.)

 

[Sysyphus]

Give him time (still swear Kozlov looks like he's 15 at best.)

Well, of course. I'm not saying he can't become a good player, simply giving my assessment on what his challenges going forward are, (based on watching more than one match ).

 

[stringertom]

Well, of course. I'm not saying he can't become a good player, simply giving my assessment on what his challenges going forward are, (based on watching more than one match ).

Another @Meles bandwagonjacking!

As a federal offense, the carjacker can get the needle if death(s) occur. What say you is the recommended TTW sentence? A silent ban in all NextGen threads for 30 days and escalating for repeat offenses sounds fair to me!

 

[Sysyphus]

Another @Meles bandwagonjacking!

As a federal offense, the carjacker can get the needle if death(s) occur. What say you is the recommended TTW sentence? A silent ban in all NextGen threads for 30 days and escalating for repeat offenses sounds fair to me!

He is out of control of late.

 

[stringertom]

He is out of control of late.

A desert island with zero WiFi sounds right, no?

Will he name his tennis ball friend "Wilson"???

 

[Rattler]

Koz has got to get that serve working...how many doubles did he have? What was his forst serve %?

He didn't lean into any serve, not one single one.

Thought Young's outburst about the microphone was laughable...for two reasons, first he was being foolish, there are scoreboards well within his field of vision on Stadium 2
Secondly, if he was trying to rattle Kozlov, someone didn't do their homework. Kozlov was pulling these kind of stunts when he was 12 & 13.

 

[stringertom]

Koz has got to get that serve working...how many doubles did he have? What was his forst serve %?

He didn't lean into any serve, not one single one.

Thought Young's outburst about the microphone was laughable...for two reasons, first he was being foolish, there are scoreboards well within his field of vision on Stadium 2
Secondly, if he was trying to rattle Kozlov, someone didn't do their homework. Kozlov was pulling these kind of stunts when he was 12 & 13.

8 DFs but the first serve percentage was acceptable at 59%, better in the second set at 65%. The first set showed better defense of second serve points than his first serve (59% to 44% despite 4 DFs).

 

[Rattler]

8 DFs but the first serve percentage was acceptable at 59%, better in the second set at 65%. The first set showed better defense of second serve points than his first serve (59% to 44% despite 4 DFs).

Ok he had decent percentages; however, even for him, that serve lacked bite. I know that he doesn't have a loce arm, but his serve mechanics didn't take advantage of his kinetic chain.

BTW what struck me again during this match is Fritz & Koz are 19...Sampras won the Open at 19...what a phenom

 

[Sysyphus]

Secondly, if he was trying to rattle Kozlov, someone didn't do their homework. Kozlov was pulling these kind of stunts when he was 12 & 13.

Trying to outrattle an already seasoned Rattler‽

 

[Rattler]

Trying to outrattle an already seasoned Rattler‽

Exactly

 

[Sysyphus]

Huzzah! Koz defeats Dreddy Brown in the first round of Hertogenbosch, 6–3 3–6 6–3. Solid grass result and his best win in a good while. He needs the points by now too.

Clearly comfortable in Den Bosch as he beat Steve Johnson and Nishioka there last season. Ivo Karlovic awaits next

 

[Sysyphus]

Happy to bump this thread as Koz rolls over P. H. Herbert in the final round of qualifying in Queen's, 6–4 6–2! The Dude can play on grass.

Possibilities of a decent first round draw too. Maybe James Ward, Edmund, or a fellow qualifier. Steve Johnson would be the toughest draw.

 

[stringertom]

Happy to bump this thread as Koz rolls over P. H. Herbert in the final round of qualifying in Queen's, 6–4 6–2! The Dude can play on grass.

Possibilities of a decent first round draw too. Maybe James Ward, Edmund, or a fellow qualifier. Steve Johnson would be the toughest draw.

The Big Kozlovski vs The Big Package it is! Although a tough draw, he did beat Steve on grass last year in straight sets.

 

[Sysyphus]

trolololo, Kozlov u grass goat! For the second year in a row, Koz takes down Steve Johnson, this time 3–6 6–1 6–1. Somehow I didn't catch it. Very possible that Johnson was off his game or not fully in it, but I'll take it! Great result.