Sam Querrey is not playing professional tennis because he officially retired from the ATP Tour in August 2022 after the U.S. Open.
After 16 years of elite competition, Querrey stepped away to prioritize his family, escape the grueling nine-month travel schedule, and pursue new media ventures. He reached a career-high ranking of world No. 11 and secured ten singles titles during his tenure.
Today, he serves as a prominent analyst for the Tennis Channel and co-hosts the “Nothing Major” podcast, fully transitioning from the court to the broadcasting booth and family life.
Why Did Sam Querrey Retire from Professional Tennis?
The decision to step away from a sport that defined his life for nearly two decades was not one Sam Querrey made lightly, yet it was a transition he felt mentally prepared for long before his final match.
The professional tennis circuit is often romanticized, but for a veteran like Querrey, the reality of the tour had shifted from a dream to a demanding obligation that no longer aligned with his personal happiness.
Mental Burnout and the Grind of the ATP Tour
The primary driver behind his exit was a profound sense of mental burnout. Querrey has since reflected that toward the end of his career, the relentless nine-month touring schedule began to feel like a “grinding job” rather than a passion.
The cycle of intensive practice blocks followed by constant international travel took a significant toll.
After sixteen years of living out of a suitcase and competing at the highest level, the sparkle of the professional circuit had faded, replaced by a desire for a life that didn’t revolve around the next flight or the next tournament draw.
Achieving Career Fulfillment and Peace
Querrey walked away from the sport with a sense of completion, having achieved milestones that few American players in his era could match. He spent approximately ten years ranked within the world’s top 20 and achieved a career-high of No. 11.
His resume includes ten ATP singles titles and legendary Grand Slam victories over icons like Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray.
Because he had already reached these heights, he noted that he had mentally come to terms with his retirement months before his final match against Ilya Ivashka at the 2022 U.S. Open.
The Family Motivation: Who Is Sam Querrey’s Wife?
For many elite athletes, the transition to retirement is difficult because they lack a clear purpose outside of their sport. For Querrey, however, his purpose was clearly defined by his home life in Florida.
The shift from a global traveler to a “stay-at-home” presence was the ultimate goal of his retirement, allowing him to be there for the moments that matter most.
Marriage to Abby Dixon
Sam Querrey is married to fashion model Abby Dixon. The couple tied the knot on June 9, 2018, in Fort Pierce, Florida, after dating for several years.
Their relationship provided a stable foundation for Querrey during the latter years of his career, and his desire to establish a consistent, daily routine with her was a major factor in his decision to leave the ATP tour.
By retiring, he was able to trade the uncertainty of the tour for a permanent home life with his partner.
Raising the Next Generation
A significant part of Querrey’s post-retirement identity is centered on being an active father to his two young sons. His first son, Ford, was born in February 2020, followed by his second son, Owen, in late 2021.
The timing of their births coincided with the latter stages of his career, making the long-distance flights and weeks away from home increasingly difficult to justify.
Today, he prioritizes being a consistent presence in their lives, a luxury that the professional tennis schedule simply does not afford.
Sam Querrey’s History of Injuries and Absences
While retirement was a choice based on lifestyle, Querrey’s career was also marked by a series of physical challenges and unique incidents that occasionally forced him off the court.
Despite these setbacks, he was known for remarkable longevity, only missing two Grand Slams due to health issues during his entire sixteen-year run.
| Date | Reason for Absence | Duration | Recovery Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 2009 | Glass Table Accident | 3 Months | Required an hour-long surgery and 25 stitches after cutting 30% of two arm muscles. |
| March 2011 | Rotator Cuff Impingement | 1 Month | Mandated rest following an MRI; missed a Davis Cup tie. |
| June 2011 | Right Elbow Surgery | 3 Months | Surgery to remove bone fragments; missed Wimbledon and the U.S. Open. |
| May 2019 | Abdominal Injury | 3 Months | Rehabbed to return in peak form for the grass-court season; missed French Open. |
| Oct 2020 | COVID-19 Protocol Incident | 2 Months | Fled Russia on a private jet after a positive test; resulted in a suspended fine and probation. |
| May 2024 | Ruptured Achilles (Pickleball) | 6+ Months | Suffered during a Major League Pickleball match; required immediate surgery. |
What Is Sam Querrey Doing Now?
Retirement from the ATP did not mean a total disappearance from the public eye. Instead, Querrey has successfully pivoted into the sports media landscape, leveraging his years of expertise and his relaxed personality to become a leading voice in the tennis community.
His second act has been defined by a mix of broadcasting, digital content, and a brief foray into the world’s fastest-growing court sport.
A Leading Voice on the Tennis Channel
Querrey has transitioned into a full-time role as a prominent analyst and broadcaster for the Tennis Channel.
His deep understanding of the modern game, combined with his firsthand experience competing against the world’s best, allows him to provide viewers with unique insights.
He is now a staple of tournament coverage, offering technical breakdowns and commentary that bridge the gap between the players on the court and the fans at home.
The Nothing Major Podcast
Beyond traditional broadcasting, Querrey has embraced the digital age as a co-host of the highly popular “Nothing Major” podcast. He shares the mic with fellow American tennis stars John Isner, Steve Johnson, and Jack Sock.
The podcast provides a behind-the-scenes look at the life of professional players, delivered with a conversational and often humorous tone that has resonated with the tennis fanbase.
This platform allows him to stay connected to his peers while engaging with the sport on his own terms.
The Professional Pickleball Experiment
Following his tennis retirement, Querrey briefly ventured into the world of Major League Pickleball (MLP). His transition was highly publicized, as fans were eager to see how his massive serve and reach would translate to the smaller court.
However, his professional pickleball journey was hampered by a severe injury in May 2024 when he ruptured his Achilles tendon during a match.
Following a lengthy rehabilitation process, he officially retired from competitive pickleball in late 2025, choosing to focus more on his media career and family.
A Look Back at Sam Querrey’s Tennis Career
To understand why Sam Querrey is content in retirement, one must look at the immense pressure and success he experienced during his prime.
He was a cornerstone of American tennis for over a decade, often carrying the hopes of a nation alongside players like John Isner.
His career was defined by a massive serve, a powerful forehand, and a reputation for being a “giant killer” on the biggest stages of the sport.
Elite Rankings and Consistency
Reaching world No. 11 is a feat that places Querrey among the elite tier of American men’s tennis in the 21st century. His consistency was his hallmark; he spent ten years as a top-20 mainstay, a testament to his physical durability and mental toughness.
Winning ten ATP singles titles further solidifies his legacy as a winner who could perform across various surfaces and conditions.
The Legendary Grand Slam Upsets
Perhaps the most memorable aspect of Querrey’s career was his ability to topple the “Big Three.”
His 2016 victory over Novak Djokovic at Wimbledon remains one of the most significant upsets in the tournament’s history, ending Djokovic’s streak of 30 consecutive Grand Slam match wins.
He followed this up in 2017 by defeating the defending champion Andy Murray to reach the Wimbledon semifinals. These moments ensured that Querrey would always be remembered as a player who could beat anyone in the world on any given day.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sam Querrey
Is Sam Querrey still playing professional tennis?
No, Sam Querrey is no longer playing professional tennis. He officially retired from the ATP Tour in August 2022. His final match was a first-round loss at the U.S. Open against Ilya Ivashka on August 30, 2022.
Why did Sam Querrey flee Russia in 2020?
In October 2020, after testing positive for COVID-19 at the St. Petersburg Open, Querrey and his family fled Russia on a private jet to avoid being placed in a government-mandated hospital quarantine.
This led to a two-month absence from the tour and a suspended $20,000 fine along with a six-month probation period from the ATP.
Does Sam Querrey still play pickleball?
While he transitioned to professional pickleball following his tennis retirement, he is no longer playing competitively. After suffering a ruptured Achilles tendon in May 2024 and undergoing a long recovery, he retired from professional pickleball in late 2025.
Where does Sam Querrey live now?
Sam Querrey lives with his wife, Abby Dixon, and their two sons, Ford and Owen. He has moved away from the constant travel of the professional tour to establish a stable family life, primarily focusing on his work with the Tennis Channel and his podcasting ventures.
Conclusion: A New Chapter of Contentment
Sam Querrey’s departure from the professional court marks the end of an era for American tennis, but it also signals a successful transition for an athlete who knew exactly when to walk away.
By prioritizing his role as a husband and father over the “grinding job” of the ATP tour, Querrey has found a balance that many former pros struggle to achieve.
Whether he is breaking down matches on the Tennis Channel or sharing laughs with his friends on the “Nothing Major” podcast, he remains a vital part of the tennis world.
His legacy is not just one of powerful serves and major upsets, but of a man who navigated the complexities of professional sports with resilience and ultimately chose the happiness of home life over the pursuit of one more trophy.
