Unstoppable 9-Yr-Old Tennis Prodigy!

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Comment by CoachV - William Vazquez on December 13, 2012 at 12:05pm

Ok lets say this GP is Stoppable, but the reason maybe undetermined at this point. or She herself might be unstoppable for now.

Comment by Tim Prapong on December 13, 2012 at 11:47am

MD: Yeah, I would pick #1 and a bit of #4. I could be wrong but I definitely hate to see #3 happen.

Comment by Mark Dalli on December 13, 2012 at 8:54am

TP I pick #4, makes the most sense. I hope #3 doesn't happen.

Comment by Hal Wagner on December 12, 2012 at 4:13pm

Mark, I hear ya, big Rick has a knack for declaring the next " fill in the blank". Unfortunately none of them have panned out lately. I think a lot of it on the girls side is to get their students name out there. Nick B. had Maria Shishkina get her Under Armour deal two years ago at like 12 or something. Wish they would just let them develop their games and play and let the accolades come when they are more mature and ready to handle it. 

Comment by Tim Prapong on December 12, 2012 at 3:40pm

A more balanced poll, V.

1. GP is a talented girl, but not a prodigy. She should develop at her own rate and take stock in her results over the next 7 years before deciding to go pro.

2. GP is a prodigy, should be talking about being #1 in the world, because Macci said she will be a world class player. She should decide on a pro career at the age of 9 and go full steam ahead.

3. GP is a viral video sensation who has the same lifespan as a child TV star. Shine bright now, burn out later.

4. GP should've thought of being a sleeper phenom, but it's too late now. She should shun doing publicity and work hard quietly and modestly. The parents should've kept her out of the limelight.

5. GP should get USTA funding to train with Macci full time, since she has his endorsement already. Macci ought to put his resources and efforts behind his praise which led to all of this.

Comment by Tim Prapong on December 12, 2012 at 3:13pm

Nobody is gonna take your poll. It is too biased. lol

Comment by Mark Dalli on December 12, 2012 at 8:48am

I'm glad I'm not singing solo. I agree with Brad, I have been developing successful players for a very long time. I wish her the best as I do for all young players. Our culture want everything now, fast, to become an elite player takes time. Nurture this little girl give her confidence, put her in the hands of those that have done it before, like Rick. I believe the push at 9 isn't appropriate. She has a great deal of development to go. So why push the issue, she has time to build a game become more psychically mature, and have a chance as a player. What is the rush? Consider all the other so called phenoms that fizzled. Pay attention to history or it will be repeated. Rick commenting on this girl comparing to Capriati , I disagree and think that the comparison is hard to live up to. My comments come from my teaching experience of 30+ years, as a junior development specialist. I wish all  young players the experience of becoming a tennis player, it takes you places. Too much hype, I hope she continues to enjoy playing and competing into her teens.

Comment by GUGA on December 11, 2012 at 8:46pm

Seen many, MANY talented young tennis (Prodigies, Phenoms, Stars or Future Pro Players) but by the time they're supposed to peak or reach the performance phase in their development their no longer that so called name given to them at such a young age. Don't get me wrong here, I'm not saying Gaby won't make it but it's just way too early to tell. These videos that become viral or receive main stream exposure create's in MY opinion more pressure to the young player. The LABELING of a player is what I have a problem with, in my experience and working with all levels of players and seeing it all I call these athletes TALENTED players. The last player who came to my club labeled and proclaimed: the next American tennis STAR & PHENOM (video @ msn.foxsports.com/topics/m/video/23157222/meet-the-next-american-tennis-star.htm) Deiton Baughman. A thread exists on TT: http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/showthread.php?t=269587, so what happened? My boys played 1 match each with him one Friday/one Saturday he only got 5 games total & on Sunday my talented 11 year girl lost to him 6-4 and his dad called it a day as they had another match scheduled in Long Island. His dad without the camera around is a very different person as depicted in the piece..... I'll keep that to myself. Where is he now? Junior ranking: 215, Pro Circuit: no ranking, 1 loss singles, 1-1 in doubles, not what is expected from a PHENOM or the next American tennis star but like I said a talented player nonetheless but time will tell us the real Hollywood story. Support is what these young talented athletes need let them be kids first, keep the smiles going and be REALISTIC don't get sold by someone else's DREAM.... I wish Gabby the best as all the TALENTED top 10 or top 20 or top 30 USTA players in the Nation in all divisions without the National exposure, viral video or who were not labeled for already eing the best........
Gus Alcayaga

Comment by Tim Prapong on December 11, 2012 at 12:42pm

Haha! Yeah he has that nervous cough around the wife. He has to control her with that cough. lol

Dad played for Penn State, I read.

Comment by CoachV - William Vazquez on December 11, 2012 at 12:39pm

the dad should not have worn sleeveless shirt.

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