Of the Moment: Tracy Austin

For our special US Open edition of Of The Moment, we are thrilled to share our inspiring interview with American former world no.1 tennis player and winner of three Grand Slam titles: the women's singles titles at the 1979 and 1981 US Opens, and the mixed doubles title at the 1980 Wimbledon Championships, Tracy Austin.

 Record breaking (Austin is the youngest player to ever win the US Open at age 16), Grand Slam commentating (you’ll see Tracy on air for the Tennis Channel and other networks throughout the season), and all-around inspiration, Tracy sat down with us in New York City before the 2021 US Open to talk about the best piece of advice she ever received from Arthur Ashe to to her wellness tips, and more.

Prepare to be inspired with Tracy’s words of wisdom below: 

Always:

 Be kind and do your best in the moment.

Never:

 Give up. Successful people keep striving even when they face challenges.

Where I live: 

Sunny Southern California

What Tennis Has Taught Me About Life:

 How you handle adversity will determine your success in tennis and in life. 

My Favorite Grand Slam Memory: 

Winning the US Open for the first time over Chris Evert as a 16 year old. Winning a Major is a life-changing moment and a dream fulfilled. 

What Are You Most Looking Forward To At This Year’s Open?

Night matches. There is nothing like the energy, electric atmosphere of a US Open night match in tennis.

Favorite Place to Travel:
Paris

My Motto:

 "It’s The Drip On The Rock.”

  This was my Mom’s motto that me and my four siblings love to chuckle about. It means sustained daily effort and focus wins out. The backstory, we were in a  garden when we traveled to Tokyo and we all saw huge rock with hole worn away in the center from a water drip. We laughed! We traveled around the world to see Mom’s "Drip On The Rock”.

My Wellness Essentials:

 8 hours of sleep, healthy food with a treat once in a while, and at least half hour of exercise daily. 

A Saying I Had In My Room Growing Up:

“The world makes way for the man/woman who knows where they are going”

-Ralph Waldo Emerson

It was from a newspaper ad. My mom put it in a yellow frame in my room. 

A US Open Secret:

               The outside courts are a great watch because you can get so close to the competitors and “feel” the action.

Personal Style: 

Eclectic...from elegant to hip, athletic, feminine, and colorful.

When I Need Inspiration I…

Realize gratitude is the best attitude.

I Treasure: 

My family and a good luck necklace given to me by my Mom. 

Best Piece of Life Advice…

Arthur Ashe told me to send handwritten notes; it will mean a lot to the receiver and be memorable. 

Best Piece of Career Advice...

Hall of Fame Announcer Dick Enberg told me, “If you aren’t 5 minutes early, you are late”.  Now I live by this. 

Never Did I Think I Would…

Have 3 fantastic boys

Newest Discovery: 

Road trips without a plan. My husband Scott and I spent a few weeks this spring driving around the US. We loved waking up every day in a new city ready for adventure. 

Your Advice…

A vision without a plan/action is just a dream.