By
Matthew Cronin
tennisreporters.net
You
got it here first: our report card examines relatively unknown
Americans prospects under the age of 25 who have at least top-150
potential, are not known
quantities or doubles specialists and whom tennisreporters.net
have seen play a fair amount.
THE
BOYS
Bob
& Mike Bryan:
Due to increased pop have made huge strides in doubles and
it would be surprising if they didn't win a Slam in the next
year or so. However, are seriously underachieving in singles
because their ground games are subpar. A little less dubs is
called for if they want to crack singles top-100.
James
Blake:
Made an impression in Cincy, but the jury is out as to whether
his classic game will become potent enough.
Lester
Cook:
Very complete, but doesn't draw notice. Reaching 18s National
semis sparked interest but needs to carry that success into
international arena.
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|
Susan
Mullane
Camerawork USA, Inc.
|
Taylor
Dent:
With his 140 mph cannonball, he would steam into the top 20
if he could only reign in his erratic groundies, find a return
and more fluidly. Sweet kid who smiles a ton and would have
fans eating out of his hands if he
could break through.
Mardy
Fish:
Growing into the pros in part thanks to coach Brad Stine. Physically
still maturing and has rich variety, but hasn't proved he can
hang with big boys yet.
Zack
Fleishman:
Still trying to break out of the Satellite pack and if he doesn't
do it soon, may be stuck forever in minors. Decent all around
game but may not be mentally tough enough.
Alex
Kim:
Fast and intelligent, former Stanfordite doesn't appear to have
the weapons to make it to the big time, but if the slight Paul
Goldstein can do it, why can't Kim?
Phillip
King:
Taking lessons from Phil Dent, which is good, because the
smallish King needs to add some chip-charge muscle to his smart,
yet not so
powerful attack.
Andy
Roddick:
"America's hope" reached the top 30 in a just a year's
time
– an
outstanding feat for anyone fresh off juniors. Has right the
weapons and killer attitude, but to reach top, needs to improve
decision-making, volley and stamina.
THE
GIRLS
Megan Bradley:
Strong with a developing all-court game, has decided to enter
UCLA for at least a year to smooth her rough edges. Very competitive
but
needs to seriously commit to a pro style game.
Allison
Bradshaw:
The big Alley Cat made a brief splash at the '00 Open and
has a huge game, but may be too slow for the big-time. Should
watch reels of
Davenport tape and learn how Lindsay makes up for lack of speed.
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|
Susan
Mullane
Camerawork USA, Inc.
|
Ashley
Harkleroad: Already a pro, this 16-year-old power
baseliner with cheerleader looks is all tennis, all the time.
Showed at French juniors that she's gritty but then seized up
as Wimby juniors No. 1 seed. A-Rod's former girlfriend is a
top-50 lock with better decision-making.
Jennifer
Hopkins:
Taylor Dent's girlfriend from Kansas is a terrific mover with
solid groundies who has risen quickly, but is slightly lacking
in power and isn't sure whether she belongs with big girls.
Marissa
Irvin:
Big first serve but is frustrated with inability to close out
better players. Doesn't always play to her strength, which is
her volley, and still doesn't have consistent enough groundies
to match up with elite.
Amber
Lui:
Amazing run to 18s national crown earned this intense aggressive
baseliner a wild card into Open. Another player for whom size
is a limitation, but strong desire could launch a solid pro
career.
Lilia
Osterloh:
Substantial improvement on forehand and willingness to use solid
volley, but quick all-courter is very frustrated with inability
to beat the elite. Top-25 is not out of the question but needs
a few more big wins.
Alexandra
Stevenson:
Injuries have taken heavy toll on this service bomber, who has
improved erratic groundies and movement. On most days, she thinks
she's better than she is, but on other days, her Sampras-like
game can scale towering heights. Needs to think more clearly.
Meilen
Tu:
Real battler with stars in her eyes. In excellent shape and
has
added oomph to groundies. A dangerous foe, but will probably
never reach
desired top-20 due to lack of height.
Portions
of this appear in Inside Tennis Magazine. For subscription info,
call 510-530-2200
