Sam Querrey retired from professional tennis in August 2022 to prioritize his family, alleviate physical fatigue, and explore new career paths outside the ATP Tour.
After sixteen years on the circuit and reaching a career-high of World No. 11, the American star noted that the constant travel and physical grind had taken a toll on his passion for competition.
Following a brief stint in professional pickleball that was hampered by a severe Achilles injury, he officially stepped away from competitive play in late 2025. Today, he has reinvented himself as a premier tennis broadcaster and podcast host.
Why Did Sam Querrey Retire from Professional Tennis?
The decision to walk away from a sport that defined his adult life was not a sudden impulse but rather a calculated move based on his changing life priorities and physical realities.
By the time the 2022 US Open arrived, Querrey had spent nearly two decades as a traveling professional, and the allure of the circuit had begun to fade in comparison to the rewards of home life.
Prioritizing Family and a Stable Home Life
One of the most significant factors in his departure was a deep-seated desire to be present for his wife, Abby, and their two young sons.
Professional tennis is notorious for its grueling travel schedule, requiring players to be on the road for the majority of the year, often moving between continents on a weekly basis.
For Querrey, twenty years of constant movement had become increasingly difficult to justify as his children grew.
He explicitly stated that establishing a consistent routine at home was a primary goal for his post-retirement life, moving away from the nomadic existence of a professional athlete.
Managing Physical Fatigue and Performance Decline
As Querrey reached his mid-30s, the physical demands of maintaining a top-tier game became an uphill battle.
He admitted that his body was beginning to fatigue, making the daily grind of practice sessions and high-stakes matches much harder to sustain than in his younger years.
This physical wear and tear was reflected in his rankings; after being a mainstay in the top 30 for several years and reaching No. 11 in 2018, his ranking plummeted to 287 by late 2022.
This drop in form contributed to a self-admitted loss of passion, as he found he was no longer enjoying the competitive process as much as he once did.
Seeking New Mental and Professional Challenges
Beyond the physical and personal reasons, there was a psychological element to his retirement. Querrey expressed a strong interest in testing his mind in areas outside of the tennis court, looking for new ways to challenge himself professionally.
This intellectual curiosity paved the way for his smooth transition into the media landscape, where he could leverage his expertise without the physical toll of elite competition.
His final matches at the 2022 US Open—a singles loss to Ilya Ivashka and a doubles match alongside Steve Johnson—marked the end of a storied chapter and the beginning of a deliberate reinvention.
A Snapshot of the Professional Evolution of Sam Querrey
The following table summarizes the key milestones and achievements that defined his sixteen-year tenure on the ATP Tour, illustrating the height of his success before his eventual transition to media.
| Category | Career Achievement |
|---|---|
| Career-High Ranking | World No. 11 (February 2018) |
| ATP Singles Titles | 10 Titles |
| Grand Slam High Point | Wimbledon Semifinals (2017) |
| Major Upsets | Defeated No. 1 Novak Djokovic (2016) and No. 1 Andy Murray (2017) |
| Notable Finals | Defeated Rafael Nadal in the 2017 Acapulco Final |
| Career Prize Money | Over $13 Million |
| Retirement Date | August 30, 2022 |
The Legacy of the Kingslayer: Memorable ATP Moments
Throughout his career, Sam Querrey earned a reputation as a dangerous opponent for even the greatest players in history. His powerful serve and “unplayable” form on certain days allowed him to disrupt the dominance of the “Big Four” on the world’s biggest stages.
Dominance at the All England Club
Querrey’s most legendary moments occurred on the grass courts of Wimbledon, where he knocked out the number one seed in back-to-back years.
In 2016, he stunned the tennis world by defeating Novak Djokovic, snapping the Serbian’s remarkable streak of not losing a match after winning the first set for an entire year.
He followed this up in 2017 by defeating the defending champion, Andy Murray, to reach his first Grand Slam semifinal. These victories solidified his status as a “Kingslayer” and remain the highlights of a career that featured ten professional titles.
A Mellow Giant with a Resilient Personality
Fans and peers alike often remember Querrey not just for his tennis, but for his laid-back and friendly demeanor. Described by some as “too mellow for his own good,” he was frequently seen smiling even during the high pressure of a service game.
His career was also marked by unique off-court stories that added to his persona, such as his appearance on Millionaire Matchmaker and a wild story involving a private plane departure from Russia during the pandemic.
Despite occasional criticisms regarding his consistency, his peers often noted his kindness and his ability to remain at peace with his career decisions.
Why Did Sam Querrey Retire from Professional Pickleball?
Following his departure from the ATP Tour, Querrey was among the first high-profile tennis players to make a serious jump into professional pickleball.
However, this second career was shorter than many anticipated and ended with his official retirement from the sport in December 2025.
The Impact of a Career-Altering Injury
The primary catalyst for his pickleball retirement was a severe Achilles tendon tear that occurred early in his transition. This injury was a massive setback, sidelining him for over a year and significantly hindering his ability to regain the necessary movement for elite play.
In a sport where agility and quick reactions are paramount, the physical limitations imposed by the injury made it nearly impossible for Querrey to compete at the level he expected of himself.
Competitive Struggles and the Top 10 Prediction
Querrey entered the pickleball world with significant hype, famously predicting that he would crack the top 10 rankings within just four months.
Unfortunately, the reality of the PPA Tour proved much more challenging. His performance never quite matched his bold predictions, and he struggled to find his form post-injury.
His final season in 2025 was particularly difficult, as he finished without securing a single official match win.
Upon his exit, he received a lighthearted and public send-off from pickleball icons like Ben Johns, who playfully roasted him for his earlier overconfidence while celebrating his contribution to the sport’s visibility.
Beyond the Baseline: What is Sam Querrey Doing Now?
While his days of professional competition have concluded, Querrey has successfully parlayed his tennis knowledge into a thriving career in media and entertainment.
He has become a staple of modern tennis coverage, providing insights that only a former top-15 player can offer.
Dominating the Airwaves in Sports Broadcasting
Today, he works as a full-time sports analyst and commentator, covering major tournaments for prominent networks including the Tennis Channel, ESPN, and TNT.
His transition to the broadcast booth has been well-received, as he brings a mix of technical expertise and a relaxed, conversational style to the airwaves.
This role allows him to remain deeply connected to the game he loves while maintaining the stable home life he sought when first retiring from the ATP Tour.
The Success of the Nothing Major Podcast
In addition to traditional broadcasting, Querrey co-hosts the “Nothing Major” podcast alongside fellow former American pros John Isner, Jack Sock, and Steve Johnson.
The show has become highly popular among tennis fans for its candid discussions on tour news and “nonsense”.
This platform has allowed Querrey to showcase his personality and stay engaged with the tennis community in a way that feels authentic and enjoyable, fulfilling his desire for a career that prioritizes fun and mental engagement.
Brand Partnerships and Exhibition Matches
His influence continues through strategic brand ambassadorships, most notably with Solinco Sports.
In a surprising revelation after his retirement, Querrey shared that he had secretly used their Hyper-G strings for a decade during his professional career, leading to an official partnership.
Furthermore, he has not entirely stepped away from the court; he frequently participates in high-profile exhibitions and has competed in the Legends Division at Wimbledon, proving that while his professional “grind” is over, his love for playing remains intact.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sam Querrey’s Transition
Is Sam Querrey still playing professional pickleball?
No, he officially retired from professional pickleball in late 2025 after a three-year stint on the PPA Tour and Major League Pickleball.
What was Sam Querrey’s highest tennis ranking?
His career-high ranking was World No. 11, achieved in February 2018 following several strong seasons and deep runs at Grand Slams.
Why did he stop playing tennis?
He retired primarily to spend more time with his family, escape the heavy travel schedule, and because his body was becoming increasingly fatigued after sixteen years on tour.
Does Sam Querrey have a podcast?
Yes, he co-hosts the “Nothing Major” podcast with John Isner, Jack Sock, and Steve Johnson, where they discuss tennis news and their experiences on the tour.
What are his most famous wins?
His most notable victories include defeating Novak Djokovic at Wimbledon in 2016, Andy Murray at Wimbledon in 2017, and Rafael Nadal in the 2017 Acapulco final.
Conclusion: The Blueprint for a Successful Athlete Transition
Sam Querrey’s journey from a powerhouse server to a respected voice in sports media serves as a blueprint for professional athletes looking to navigate the difficult transition of retirement.
By prioritizing his family and embracing his natural charisma, “Big Sam” has ensured that his influence on the sport of tennis will continue long after his final match.
