The EASY decision to play College Tennis with Brandon Holt
Jan 22, 2024
auto_awesome
Former All-American Brandon Holt shares his journey from college tennis to defeating Taylor Fritz at the 2022 US Open. He discusses the benefits of playing college tennis, using the Sabre, and the influence of his tennis legend mother, Tracy Austin. Holt also provides advice for junior players.
Brandon Holt emphasizes the benefits of playing college tennis for personal growth and development.
Using the Saber as a training tool, Holt enhances footwork, precision, and gameplay in tennis practice.
Holt stresses the importance of maintaining a resilient mindset, staying healthy, and focused in pursuing a professional tennis career.
Deep dives
Brandon Holt's Tennis Journey and US Open Run
Brandon Holt, a former blue-chip recruit at USC with a career-high ATP ranking of 180, discusses his decision to play college tennis, his breakthrough at the 2022 US Open by defeating Taylor Fritz. Holt emphasizes the influential role of his tennis parent, Tracy Austin, in shaping his career. He shares insights on his training routine, including fitness sessions, tennis practice, and occasional hot yoga. Despite facing challenges like injuries, Holt remains committed to his tennis journey and highlights the importance of surrounding oneself with supportive and passionate individuals.
Using the Saber as a Training Tool
Brandon Holt shares his experience using the Saber as a training tool in tennis. He explains how the smaller head size of the Saber helps in focusing on hitting the ball at the right sweet spot consistently. By incorporating the Saber into his practice routine, Holt enhances his footwork and precision, leading to a more demanding but enjoyable training experience. Despite the initial challenge, Holt finds the Saber effective for improving his positioning, footwork, and overall gameplay.
Navigating the Professional Tennis Landscape
Brandon Holt reflects on his transition from college tennis to the professional circuit, highlighting the balance between commitment to tennis and personal growth. Despite facing setbacks like injuries and tough matches, including a memorable run at the Australian Open, Holt maintains a resilient mindset. He acknowledges the sacrifices and discipline required in pursuing a professional tennis career, emphasizing the importance of staying healthy and focused amidst challenges and opportunities.
Advice for Junior Players and Parents
Offering advice to junior players and parents, Brandon Holt emphasizes the significance of enjoying tennis, surrounding oneself with supportive individuals, and maintaining a balanced perspective. He stresses the value of internal drive and passion in pursuing a tennis career, cautioning against placing excessive pressure on young players. Holt underscores the importance of fun, discipline, and a supportive environment in fostering long-term success and fulfillment in tennis.
Family Influence and Balancing Commitment
Brandon Holt shares insights into his family's influence on his tennis journey, highlighting the discipline and professionalism instilled by his tennis parent. Despite giving up recreational activities like motorcycle riding and snowmobiling to focus on tennis, Holt finds fulfillment in pursuing his passion. He reflects on memorable career moments, including winning key matches and tournaments, showcasing the rewards of dedication, sacrifice, and perseverance in the tennis career.
Kicking off 2024 is Brandon Holt, a former All-American with a career-high ATP 180.
Brandon has a huge US Open in 2022 getting through qualifiers and then taking down US Number 1 Taylor Fritz. Brandon is also the son of former Number 1 and 3 times slam champ Tracey Austin.
We chat
Easy decision to play college tennis
Benefits of College tennis
2022 US Open
Striking with the Saber
Inspirations from my mam
Advice for Juniors
I hope you enjoy the episode.
Fabio
This podcast is sponsored by ASICS. ASICS is a Japanese company founded in 1949 to give more people the opportunity to experience how sports and movement can have a positive impact on mental well-being.
