HIGHER LEARNING FOR YOUR GAME

USA Today features American Tennis

The USA Today newspaper featured an article today entitled “Where did talent go? U.S. tennis’ ‘Lost Generation’”.  An interesting read that focuses on how the US has not produced a tennis champion with the latest generation of players.  Among the most insightful items in the story is the idea that forgoing College Tennis severely hampered the development of the countries top young talent.

Swayed by easy money, pushy agents and the example set by previous generations, they chose the trial-by-fire rigors of the pro tour instead of the seasoning of college. The decision took a toll on young bodies and still-developing psyches.

The story continues on about how many of these young stars left the game early to return to their studies after struggling on the pro tour.

Some, such as Brendan Evans, Scoville Jenkins and Scott Oudsema, hung up their rackets and returned to school.

Former Davis Cup Captain and current general manager of USTA player development, Patrick McEnroe reiterated this point:

I believe we lost a generation of players that turned pro too early and could never really get out of the Challenger-Futures realm. I don’t want to name names,” he adds, “but basically they all went out on the tour and got the crap beat out of them for 3-4 years and never progressed.”

Article such as these point out the difficult transition, both mentally and physically, from top junior tennis star to grand slam champion.  With the recent success of John Isner, the 4 year college star at the University of Georgia and current #17 ranked ATP threat, the next generation of young prodigies might just think of continuing their development on this nations top college campuses.

To read the full USA TODAY story – click here