The Pure Athlete Podcast 149. Sam Querrey: Former Top American Tennis Player
Nov 4, 2025
Sam Querrey, a former top American tennis player with 10 ATP titles, shares his journey from a multi-sport youth to making the pro tour decision over college. He reflects on the current state of U.S. tennis, discussing the best players poised for grand slam success and his own iconic wins against legends like Djokovic and Nadal. Querrey also delves into his transition to pickleball, broadcasting nerves, and offers advice for young athletes to embrace various sports. His humor and insights make for an engaging conversation.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Transition To Pro Pickleball
- Sam joined professional pickleball after tennis and became one of the first tennis pros to compete on the circuit.
- He tore his Achilles playing pickleball, missed a year, and plans to retire from pro pickleball after one final event.
Pickleball's Tennis Roots And New Pipeline
- Sam joked that many top pickleball players began as tennis players who 'failed' at tennis and switched sports.
- He noted younger players now specialize in pickleball earlier, changing the sport's talent pipeline.
Multi-Sport Childhood In California
- Sam grew up near a tennis and swim club and played many sports through age 14 before focusing on tennis.
- An Australian coach, Grant Doyle, then pushed him into international juniors and daily practice that propelled his career.