American tennis standout Sam Querrey officially retired from professional tennis at the 2022 US Open, marking the end of an illustrious 16-year career.
On August 30, 2022, he played his final singles match on Court 7, falling to Ilya Ivashka in a hard-fought four-set battle.
While many fans recall his world-class serve and top-11 ranking, his departure was fueled by a desire to trade the grueling global travel schedule for quality time with his family.
Today, Querrey has transitioned into a prominent media role, broadcasting for major networks and co-hosting a popular tennis podcast.
The Final Match: What Happened to Sam Querrey in 2022?
The final chapter of Sam Querrey’s professional journey concluded at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, a venue that had hosted many of his career-defining moments.
For a player who had spent over a decade and a half on the ATP tour, the decision to hang up the rackets was both emotional and calculated, designed to allow him to step away while still performing at a high level.
The Singles Farewell against Ilya Ivashka
On August 30, 2022, Sam Querrey stepped onto Court 7 for what would be his final professional singles match.
Facing off against Belarus’s Ilya Ivashka, Querrey showcased the powerful game that had made him a mainstay in the top tier of American tennis for years.
The match was a tightly contested affair that lasted four sets: 4-6, 6-4, 7-6 (8), 6-3. Despite the loss, the match was a fitting tribute to his competitive spirit, especially during the third-set tiebreak which saw both players pushed to their limits.
A Final Partnership with Steve Johnson
Querrey did not restrict his final appearance to singles alone; he also entered the men’s doubles draw alongside his long-time friend and fellow American, Steve Johnson. This partnership was a nod to the camaraderie that defined much of Querrey’s time on the tour.
Though the duo faced a first-round exit at the hands of the top-seeded team of Wesley Koolhof and Neal Skupski, the appearance served as a celebratory lap for two of the most recognizable faces in the American game.
For Querrey, the doubles match was the final volley of a professional career that began in 2006.
A Legacy of Excellence: Sam Querrey’s US Open Milestones
Throughout his 16 years on the tour, Querrey developed a special relationship with the New York crowd. His history at Flushing Meadows is characterized by significant breakthroughs and high-stakes drama.
| Year | Milestone Achievement | Notable Details |
|---|---|---|
| 2006 | Grand Slam Debut | Earned his first major match win by defeating Philipp Kohlschreiber. |
| 2009 | US Open Series Champion | Won the bonus challenge, a points-based track leading into the main draw. |
| 2015 | Mixed Doubles Finalist | Reached the championship match with partner Bethanie Mattek-Sands. |
| 2017 | Singles Quarterfinalist | Achieved his career-best singles run, losing to Kevin Anderson. |
| 2022 | Official Retirement | Concluded his ATP career to focus on family life. |
Clarifying the Controversial Incident in Russia
In recent years, some fans have mistakenly associated a specific health-related controversy with Querrey’s time at the US Open.
However, the events in question actually took place thousands of miles away at the St. Petersburg Open in Russia during October 2020.
This incident was a significant moment in Querrey’s later career and highlighted the immense pressures athletes faced during the height of global travel restrictions.
The Positive COVID-19 Test and Medical Risks
During the 2020 tournament in St. Petersburg, Querrey, his wife, and their infant son all tested positive for COVID-19.
Following the diagnosis, Russian health authorities informed the family that they might face forced hospitalization and, more distressingly, family separation if their symptoms showed any signs of worsening.
Faced with the prospect of being separated from his eight-month-old child in a foreign country under strict government protocols, Querrey felt he had to take drastic action to ensure the safety and unity of his family.
The Private Jet Escape and Subsequent Sanctions
In a move that captured international headlines, Querrey quietly left his hotel at 5:45 AM, chartered a private jet, and flew his family across the border to an undisclosed European country to quarantine in an Airbnb.
This “great escape” led to an immediate investigation by the ATP. While the governing body recognized the stressful circumstances, they ultimately handed Querrey a suspended $20,000 fine and six months of probation.
It is important to note that this event was entirely separate from his professional conduct and eventual retirement at the US Open.
Life After the ATP Tour: The Pivot to Professional Pickleball
After retiring from the ATP tour in 2022, Querrey did not immediately leave the world of competitive sports. Like several other former tennis professionals, he was drawn to the rapidly growing world of professional pickleball.
This transition allowed him to maintain his competitive edge while significantly reducing the travel demands that had prompted his retirement from tennis.
Entering the Growing World of Major League Pickleball
Querrey’s entry into professional pickleball was met with significant interest from both tennis and pickleball fans. He spent several years competing at a high level, utilizing his reach and hand-eye coordination to find success in a different format.
This period represented a “bridge” between his life as a full-time touring tennis professional and his eventual career in media. It allowed him to stay active and visible in the sports world while he explored what his long-term future might hold.
Returning to Tennis Roots in Late 2025
Despite his success in pickleball, Querrey realized that his true passion remained with the sport that had defined his adult life. In late 2025, he officially retired from professional pickleball, citing that he deeply missed the tennis world.
This realization prompted a full-scale return to the industry, not as a player on the grueling ATP circuit, but as a multifaceted media personality and ambassador for the sport.
This move has been widely praised by fans who missed his presence at major tournaments.
How Sam Querrey Dominates Tennis Media Today
Since his return to the tennis fold, Querrey has become one of the most recognizable and respected voices in the game. His transition into media has been seamless, as he provides a unique perspective that only a former world-class player can offer.
He currently balances multiple roles that keep him at the center of the sport’s most important conversations.
A Leading Voice in Sports Broadcasting
Querrey has established himself as a premier commentator and analyst for major sports networks. He is a regular fixture on the Tennis Channel, ESPN, and TNT, providing expert coverage of all four Grand Slam tournaments.
His ability to break down complex tactical matchups and provide insight into the mental state of current players has made him a fan favorite in the broadcast booth.
By working across multiple networks, he ensures that his insights reach a wide global audience during the most critical weeks of the tennis calendar.
The Success of the Nothing Major Podcast
Beyond traditional television broadcasting, Querrey has embraced modern media through the “Nothing Major” podcast. He co-hosts the show alongside fellow former American pros John Isner, Jack Sock, and Steve Johnson.
The podcast has gained a significant following for its casual, behind-the-scenes look at the ATP tour.
Listeners enjoy the chemistry between the four friends as they share stories from their playing days, interview current stars, and offer unvarnished opinions on the state of the game today.
Exhibition Matches and the Legends Tour
While he is done with the intense pressure of the ATP rankings, Querrey still picks up a racket for high-profile exhibitions and the Legends Division.
He is a frequent participant in the legends events at Wimbledon and continues to headline local tournaments. For example, he was named the 2026 tournament honoree at the historic Ojai Tennis Tournament.
Additionally, he maintains professional ties to the industry as an ambassador for Solinco Sports, a brand well-regarded for its high-performance tennis equipment and strings.
Frequently Asked Questions about Sam Querrey’s Career
What was Sam Querrey’s highest world ranking?
Sam Querrey reached a career-high of World No. 11.
When was his last professional tennis match?
His final singles match was on August 30, 2022, at the US Open against Ilya Ivashka.
Why did he leave the professional pickleball circuit?
He retired from pro pickleball in late 2025 because he deeply missed being involved in the tennis world.
Who are his co-hosts on the “Nothing Major” podcast?
He hosts the show with John Isner, Jack Sock, and Steve Johnson.
What was the result of his best singles run in New York?
In 2017, he reached the quarterfinals of the US Open before losing to Kevin Anderson.
The Enduring Impact of an American Tennis Icon
Sam Querrey’s journey from a young debutant in 2006 to a media powerhouse in 2026 serves as a blueprint for a successful athletic retirement.
By choosing to walk away at the 2022 US Open, he preserved his legacy while opening doors to a “Second Act” that has proven just as impactful as his first.
Whether he is analyzing a championship point on ESPN or sharing locker room stories on his podcast, Querrey remains an essential part of the tennis landscape.
His transition reminds us that for elite athletes, the final volley on the court is often just the beginning of a new and rewarding chapter.
