Coric takes home the US Open Crown; US Open Junior Recap

As an understatement, Croatian Borna Coric came ready to play at this years US Open. Coming into the open, Coric had already had been to 2 grand slam semifinals this year but had yet to finish off the job. Unfortunately at the start of this years US Open, Coric went out in the first round of the doubles with partner Stefan Kozlov (losing to the eventual champions). Depsite this setback, Coric regained his focus and shifted it all towards the singles. Coric stormed into the semifinals without dropping a set and for the most part being uncontested. He then ran into the top seed from Germany Alexander Zverev. Coric went on to win the match 4-6, 6-3, 6-0. Next up was Australian Thanasi Kokkinakis, who I mistakenly thought was on a wildcard at this tournament. I did not see him in the original acceptance list and assumed he was taking a wildcard after taking on in Australia and Wimbledon. I didn't realize he racked up enough points to get a direct entrance in, so my apologies. Anyways, this title match between Kokkinakis and Coric guaranteed a player would win their first junior grand slam singles title. Today proved to be Coric's day, as he took the title by winning 3-6, 6-3, 6-1. The last two matches Kokkinakis got down a set and came back to win. The tides turned though as he won the first set, in the end backfiring.

Both players played a phenomenal tournament. Unfortunately this marks the end for Borna Coric's junior career, despite him being only 16 and having another year of eligibility left in the juniors. He will now focus on his professional career. It is uncertain what Thanasi Kokkinakis' plans our in terms of the juniors. He has one year of eligibility left being 17. It's almost positive he won't be a regular on the junior tour, but I would expect him to at the very least play the Australian Open in January. At the most, I'd expect to see him playing the grand slams until he eventually won one because he certainly has the game to do so. He has proven that by reaching 2 grand slam finals this year, in 3 appearances.

Personally if I were at there level, why not play the grand slams? It gets you into a unique grand slam setting and a chance to win a grand slam title. Why not do that versus play a local Futures tournament? As much as money matters, I would definitely rather play on the grounds of Wimbledon or Flushing Meadows versus at an ITF Futures event in the middle of nowhere.

That's just me though. I ended up being 47-16 with my picks through this junior tournament and had a very fun time with it. Thanks for being supportive of my blog and Fry That Chicken.