Tracy Austin

About

Tracy is a former professional tennis player who became the youngest No. 1-ranked player in the Open Era (at the time) at 17 years of age in 1980. She was also the first player to break the Evert-Navratilova stranglehold on the No. 1 spot. She was born into a tennis playing family which produced three professional players in addition to Tracy, and at the age of just 4 years she appeared on cover of World Tennis magazine.

In 1979, Tracy Austin won her first major title in Rome, defeating Sylvia Hanika in final. Along the way she defeated Chris Evert in the semi-final to end Evert’s record 125-match clay court win streak. Tracy went onto win the women’s singles title at the US Open in 1979 and 1981 and the mixed doubles title at Wimbledon in 1980.

Austin has been the recipient of a number of awards including; AP Female Athlete of the Year in 1979 and 1981; Women’s Sports Foundation Sportswoman of the Year in 1980; WTA Player of the Year in 1980; WTA Most Impressive Newcomer in 1977; Special Honoree at 1995 15th Annual Thurman Munson Awards.

Also, tt 29 years, 7 months, she became the youngest inductee into the International Tennis Hall of Fame on July 11, 1992.

To celebrate the WTA Tour’s 30th Anniversary, Tracy attended an on-court ceremony at the 2003 season-ending Championships that honored 13 world No. 1 champions (past and present) and founding members of the tour.

Since retiring as a player, Austin has worked frequently as a commentator for NBC and the USA Network. She worked for the Seven Network at the 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, and 2010 Australian Opens and usually participates in the BBC’s Wimbledon coverage. She began working for Tennis Channel in 2010 and joined their US Open team. Austin also worked for CBC Sports for their coverage of the 2009 Rogers Cup.

One of the most respected figures in tennis’ history, Tracy Austin is in demand as an after dinner speaker and event host.