We have the Next Generation and the Old Generation in the ATP, there is also another Generation of players who flopped or failed to reach their potential for whatever reasons…The Lost Generation.
Nick Kyrgios beat Federer, Nadal and Djokovic the first times he played each. But now he’s a fading shell of his once great self. Kyrgios, who lost to Milos Raonic in three sets for this first ever AO first round loss, is falling down the rankings and could land in the 70s or 80s after the fortnight. With his suspect work ethic and devotion to play silly, immature trick shots, it’s hard to envision Kyrgios ever solving his issues and regaining his lost status as a superstar champion in the making.
Bernard Tomic was a quarterfinalist at Wimbledon in 2011 but since then he’s more well known for admitting he doesn’t care if he wins or loses anymore and that he has made enough money through tennis. Tomic got serious again late last year and won a title but flopped out of the AO main draw in the first round. Also plagued by a suspect work ethic and lack of dedication, Tomic has been accused by Lleyton Hewitt of making physical and blackmail threats over the last year and a half.
Jack Sock was a top ten player just one year ago but a very poor 2018 has dropped the American all the way to outside the top 100 in the rankings. Sock lost the facility to win singles matches last year and it’s carrying over again to 2019 as he lost in the first round at AO to Alex Bolt, a journeyman. Sock’s work ethic has been cited as his main problem, coasting through practices leisurely enjoying playing silly games and trick shots while other players are working their tails off to improve their skillsets. One witness who watched Sock practice at Citi Open last summer said Sock’s practice with Kyrgios was the most unprofessional practice he’d ever seen. It’s no wonder Sock’s lack of work ethic and seriousness to improve his game has resulted in a drastic 12 month downfall.
Donald Young was a top rated ITF junior but as a pro he’s been ordinary for the most part with a few flashes of brilliance. Young has yet to win an ATP title and to crack the top 25 and at age 29 he is ranked now outside the top 200 after a terrible 2018. Still coached by his mom, it will always be wondered how could have DY’s career turned out if he had hired an elite ATP coach and former top player like a Brad Gilbert, James Blake, Mardy Fish or Darren Cahill to serve as his coach instead of his mom?
Stefan Kozlov was on the edge of the top 100 at Indian Wells in 2017 and if he beat Young in their first round encounter he would have surely cracked the top 100. But that loss and a series of many more since have damaged Kozlov’s career and his confidence. The winner of two Challengers titles and only six ATP main tour matches, Kozlov has fallen to outside the top 400 now and he has to be wondering if he has the game and the firepower to become an ATP main tour player. Using a series of USTA coaches has not worked. Maybe it’s time for Kozlov to hire a successful former ATP player like Vince Spadea or Michael Russell who can provide the necessary insights and tips of what it takes to make the ATP World Tour top 100 and to stay there.
#LOSTGEN
