Video: Dimitrov slips and slides

Question: How does Grigor Dimitrov expect to sweep Maria Sharapova off her feet if he can't stay up on his own?

That's the puzzling query at hand in light of how the Bulgarian struggled with movement in his tennis treads against Marcos Baghdatis last week in Rotterdam. It's strange every time it happens, as it seems that the pros would be sporting the same kicks in practice—and thus realizing when such issues with gear are apparent. In any case, here's that fumbling footage, which couldn't have pleased sponsor Nike:

Dimitrov's fellow Nike endorser Sharapova once described herself as "a cow on ice" when playing on clay courts. So perhaps imitation indeed remains the sincerest form of flattery. But this isn't clay, and Dimitrov's balance and traction problems are all too real. (Note how he grabs his glute/hamstring at the end of the point.) Full highlights from that match here, which Dimitrov did win by the count of 6-7, 7-6, 6-3, on the strength of rattling off 18 consecutive points to win the second set:

What do you make of Dimitrov's lack of sure footing? Here's hoping he gets it together. Professional tennis needs this youngster, once tapped as "Baby Federer," to become a true force. He's too bright, handsome, and wildly talented (read: emphasis all too often on the "wildly" descriptor) to not achieve amazing things in this sport.

Got a thought, a tip, or an argument to make? Hit me on Twitter @jonscott9.