So disappointing to see Denis go down so early in this tournament. Maybe the publicity and pressure has gotten to him, because he doesn't seem able to play freely and fearlessly anymore.
Ok, here is my very long response, LOL. I have said these things so many times because they are facts. I don't deal in conjecture or possibilities. I am more prone to the reality of what is.
1. Denis is only 18. Yes, I know that in tennis there have been a few (very few) amazing teenagers. But, that is the exception and not the norm. His body hasn't even finished growing yet. This is one of the reasons for his inconsistency. Of course he makes unforced errors, tends to go for things too much, and makes frustrating mistakes. It's called the LEARNING CURVE. It is nothing more than that. It is not a lack of talent or commitment. By all reports and reviews, Denis has an incredible work ethic, but it will take time. My goodness, people are defending Thiem for not winning anything important at 24, yet you're berating Denis for not doing anything at 18.
2. Again, I've said this one before. The body's neurological system does not finish its development until our early twenties. Even the brain isn't fully developed until we're about 21 or 22. Therefore, the brain-body connection isn't yet complete. So, he's got a ways to go. His body wants to do things, but the brain may not yet be fully cooperating.
3. HE'S A TEENAGER FFS. He's playing against experienced men. It's not complicated folks. He's got a long learning curve ahead of him. He had a big burst last summer, and now he's consolidating that. But, it will take time. He says he wants to win his first title this year. I'm not sure he's ready. It might not happen. Why? Because he is still developing. Seriously, I believe teenagers shouldn't be allowed on the ATP tour. It puts unnecessary pressure on them physically and emotionally.
4. He is NOT in any way shape or form upset about pressure or publicity. That's nonsense. In fact, you can see in interviews, that he has a ton of great support around him, and he deals with it very well. Sometimes he's completely placid out there, and other times he's more emotional. But, that's age and inexperience.
5. In a very good interview I saw towards the end of last year (don't remember where so don't ask), he said that he struggles with the sheer raw power he can generate because it's often difficult to control, and that is why he often makes mistakes. Martin, his coach, weighed in, and said that he's still growing, and these things take time. Makes sense.
I could go on about these points for a lengthier time but it's unnecessary. These ridiculous posts that ask: "what's wrong with Denis?" "why isn't Denis winning more?" "what's happened to Denis?" I find them utterly and completely exhausting and frustrating because they're meaningless. He seems to me to be doing exactly as I expected - winning some and losing some. He plays great sometimes, and less well other times. I won't predict the future because I'm not a psychic, and no one else here is either.
