tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10016685.post1014408165931486358..comments2024-03-26T09:23:26.937-04:00Comments on ZooTennis: Talking with Mallory Burdette on her Decision to Turn Pro; ESPN on the College Development Path; Lutjen Wins Southern Intercollegiates; USTA Selects Juniors for Napa CompetitionColette Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14905215531491180014noreply@blogger.comBlogger9125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10016685.post-82399974864806813862012-09-14T14:53:25.908-04:002012-09-14T14:53:25.908-04:00I think Burdette has to go pro because of her rank...I think Burdette has to go pro because of her ranking, #159. It takes a lot of time, money & effort to build your ranking. It's huge that Burdette now gets to skip that step. She can play any $100,000 event as well as try qualifying at any WTA. There's a reasonable chance she could reach the top 100 and get main draw entry to the French & possibly the Aussie. I think she has to ride this momentum. Certainly, Burdette has areas to work on, especially fitness, but would it be helping her tennis to stay? She's proven she's as good or better than any other returning player. <br /><br />Good luck Mallory! We'll be cheering for you!Athensnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10016685.post-19457887672716113762012-09-14T13:09:06.894-04:002012-09-14T13:09:06.894-04:00If you're going to turn pro, do it before you ...If you're going to turn pro, do it before you invest 3 years into a college degree. (Or do it after you earn your degree.) If it really doesn't appear that you're destined for the top 75 from your results at age 18-22, go to school, because you're probably going to end up making as much money ranked 75 plus as a hair stylist. Did Burdette's tennis skills develop at Stanford to match what she would have encountered by slugging it out in ITF events? Who seriously believes that? What are you in college for if the academics are not the top priority?<br /><br />On a similar note, have a look at the academic awards that the Stanford women's tennis team earns: next to nil. These girls--at least the top players--even though they're attending one of the world's elite academic universities, clearly aren't there for the academics. I wonder if the coach cares as much about academic performance (or graduation) as some poor kid with flawless SATs who was rejected from Stanford because she couldn't swing a tennis racquet.McMurphynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10016685.post-66466499140596011422012-09-14T01:19:28.827-04:002012-09-14T01:19:28.827-04:00Burdette already makes the qualifying draw at the ...Burdette already makes the qualifying draw at the next 3 slams with no points to defend at all.That's something alot of players never will do a few more wins and shell be maindraw at French and wimbledon. Def right decisionBlainenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10016685.post-77523424891371606722012-09-13T23:01:38.938-04:002012-09-13T23:01:38.938-04:00Jay Berger has a different title now and more resp...Jay Berger has a different title now and more responsibilities on his plate. It has nothing to do with Jack Sock.... or anybody else. <br />Speaking of Sock... he never disappoints as he delivers when an opportunity is given to him. He gives it all... Did you see his match with Almagro? I did....<br />tennismomnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10016685.post-3985366276827297082012-09-13T18:29:41.216-04:002012-09-13T18:29:41.216-04:00Looks like the USTA was hurting for top ranked jun...Looks like the USTA was hurting for top ranked juniors this year for the Napa Classic. I doubt any of the group will win a match this year.Joenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10016685.post-33424648148343889282012-09-13T17:29:22.587-04:002012-09-13T17:29:22.587-04:00I agree. When you are that close might as well fin...I agree. When you are that close might as well finish it up. If she was a freshman or sophomore I might have a different opinion. Also, I think Sharapova let her know just how far away from competing at the top level she is.<br /><br />Wish her good luck though! Could be a VERY good doubles player if she doesnt find the kind of success she hopes for in singles.Austinnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10016685.post-5554074215491933302012-09-13T14:26:52.432-04:002012-09-13T14:26:52.432-04:00IMO, the wise choice would to finish her senior ye...IMO, the wise choice would to finish her senior year, then turn pro. tomnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10016685.post-67188347891170442852012-09-13T11:06:59.147-04:002012-09-13T11:06:59.147-04:00It appears the USTA scaled back its involvement wi...It appears the USTA scaled back its involvement with the Napa Classic. As I recall, Jay Berger as well as other top coaches attended the tournament in the past. Perhaps the absence of a Jack Sock type player is the explanation?Marionoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10016685.post-77027396593128710132012-09-12T22:34:19.038-04:002012-09-12T22:34:19.038-04:00Kudos to Mallory for making her decision... Her US...Kudos to Mallory for making her decision... Her US Open success came to her in right time. She has had quite a few wins under her belt BEFORE the 2012 US Open. So, it was no brainer for her to turn pro...<br />It is more difficult for those whose win at the US Open came as a surprise. Is it gonna last???? Can he/she be consistent going forward? Will USTA support the talent by helping with wild cards? There are so many unanswered questions... Uncertainty... <br />USTA management does not want to be involved in decision making process. <br />I wish we can talk to somebody who can weight all "pros" and "cons" and make it easy for a talented US player….<br />tennismomnoreply@blogger.com