Watching a tennis match is one thing. Watching a friend play is another. Now, imagine watching your own child compete.
That’s what Hall of Famer and Tennis Channel analyst Tracy Austin experienced during the 2023 Australian Open when her son, Brandon Holt, made his way through the qualifying and into the main draw. As a former champion, analyst, coach and mother, Tracy went through her share of emotions over the course of Brandon’s efforts Down Under—including two straight five-setters.
On her podcast Talking Tennis with Tracey, Austin stated with her being in California at the time, she would adjust her alarm clock accordingly and wake up to watch him play.
"What's interesting about watching your son play as a former player, is that you watch with different eyes," admitted Austin. "I feel like every role I've ever played in life comes together in watching Brandon.
"It's the coach in me, it's the analyst that's trying to figure out the momentum swings, it's the mom in me that knows how much work he's put into his career."
The former World No.1 revealed she felt more nervous watching her son play than when she was on the court, due to not having any control over the outcome. However, she expressed how proud she was of Brandon, adding that his love of the game was what really mattered the most.