The Changeover Podcast Steve Johnson: Nothing Major Podcast, Playing Federer & Would He Beat Shelton in College?
Oct 19, 2025
Steve Johnson, a retired pro tennis player and host of the Nothing Major podcast, shares his transition from a successful college career at USC to professional tennis. He discusses the mental challenges faced during his adversities against legends like Federer, and the changes in his game style today. Johnson highlights the camaraderie of the tour, his balancing act as a family man, and the decision to retire at 34. He also humorously ranks his podcast co-hosts while reflecting on their shared tennis journey.
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Retirement Reframed As Freedom
- Retirement felt liberating because the daily grind and travel became a job to him.
- Steve Johnson values staying involved in tennis in lower-pressure roles like media and coaching.
Don't Rush A Comeback Without Drive
- Avoid forcing a comeback unless you have the physical resilience and mental drive to commit to long rehab.
- Consider the family trade-offs and long recovery timelines before pursuing surgery or protected ranking returns.
Blue-Collar Challenger Life
- On the challenger circuit he endured cheap hotels and powdered eggs but embraced the 'blue collar' grind.
- He remembers Lexington vividly: subway sandwich, late-night drive, and the resolve to 'buckle up.'