Hall of Fame Live With Tracy Austin
Tennis is undoubtedly in Hall of Famer Tracy Austin’s DNA. The two-time US Open Champion joined Blair Henley in this week’s Hall of Fame Live to discuss her family’s tennis roots, her own rocket-like ascent to greatness, how her sons are following in her footsteps (and how to be a great tennis mom!), as well as her post-tennis career in broadcasting.
Here are three things we learned from Tracy.
1. Her Tennis Debut Happened Before She Was Even Born
Tracy's mom won a mixed doubles tournament with future Hall of Fame coach Vic Braden when she was 5 months pregnant with Tracy. This early connection to the game, and Vic, would resonate throughout her life on the court. At age 4, she inadvertently landed the cover of World Tennis Magazine – the first of many great tennis moments in the public eye. Check out the clip below for the scoop on how that early magazine cover came to be and her early years at the Jack Kramer Tennis Club that launched a lifetime love of the sport.
2. She’s Grateful there was no Social Media when She was Growing Up
As the youngest player to ever win the US Open, Tracy recognizes the scrutiny and judgement that faces young up-and-coming players. There was a media frenzy surrounding her success, and the press wasn’t always kind. Her braces, pigtails and clothes often came under difficult judgements. Her advice for players now? To completely disconnect from social media during tournaments, similar advice that her own mother received from Jack Kramer during her career.
3. She did a School Project on Billie Jean King, Then Went on to Compete Against Her
Tracy received an A- on her biography report that semester, but the positive impression Billie Jean King left on her translated into a lifetime inspiration and transformative friendship that has lasted years. They met across the net a number of times and worked as a team for the Fed Cup in 1978 and ’79. Her respect for the legend is evident in the way she talks of her spirit and contributions to tennis.
Watch the complete Hall of Fame Live interview for more interesting stories from Tracy’s life as a player, mother, announcer, and Hall of Famer.
Who Would She Rather Play Against - Chrissie or Martina?
Fans from around the world tuned in to chat with Tracy, and lobbed in some great questions like that tough one.
In Tracy’s words, “is there an option C?” Check out the complete interview below for the answer to this question and for more interesting stories from Tracy’s life as a player, mother, announcer, and Hall of Famer.
Upcoming Hall of Fame Live Chats:
Join us to chat live with some of the sport’s all-time live on the International Tennis Hall of Fame Facebook page.
Hall of Famer Gigi Fernandez: Thursday, May 14, 4 pm EST
Hall of Famer Kim Clijsters, Thursday May 21 at 2 pm EST
