Sam Groth
An Australian who served two high-velocity careers: first firing the world's fastest tennis serve, then launching into the turbulent arena of state politics.
Born 1987 (age 39)·Australian tennis player and politician·Birthday: October 19·Millennials
Biography
Sam Groth's life has been defined by powerful shots, both on the court and in parliament. As a tennis professional, he was a formidable server-and-volleyer whose name is etched in the record books for striking a 263 km/h (163.4 mph) serve, the fastest ever officially recorded. This cannon-like arm propelled him to a career-high singles ranking inside the world's top 60 and a memorable Wimbledon run. Never one to shy from a challenge, Groth pivoted dramatically after retirement, winning a seat in the Victorian Parliament for the Liberal Party. His political tenure was as swift and eventful as his serve; he rose to Deputy Leader of the state opposition but resigned after little over a year, citing the immense personal toll of public life. In two fields, Groth operated at full throttle, leaving a mark defined by raw power and bold career swings.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Sam was born in 1987, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Sam Was Born
The biggest hits of 1987
#1 Movie
Three Men and a Baby
Best Picture
The Last Emperor
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Sam's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1987Born
Black Monday stock market crash
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $72,400Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Walk Like an Egyptian" — The BanglesBest Picture: The Last Emperor
1992Started school
LA riots after Rodney King verdict
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $84,300Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"End of the Road" — Boyz II MenBest Picture: Unforgiven
2000Became a teenager
Y2K passes without incident; contested Bush-Gore election
Gas: $1.51/galHome: $119,600Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Breathe" — Faith HillBest Picture: Gladiator
2003Could drive
US invades Iraq; Human Genome Project completed
Gas: $1.59/galHome: $146,000Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"In Da Club" — 50 CentBest Picture: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
2005Could vote
Hurricane Katrina devastates New Orleans; YouTube launches
Gas: $2.30/galHome: $167,500Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"We Belong Together" — Mariah CareyBest Picture: Crash
2008Turned 21
Barack Obama elected first Black US president; financial crisis
Gas: $3.27/galHome: $153,100Min wage: $6.55/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Low" — Flo RidaBest Picture: Slumdog Millionaire
2017Turned 30
#MeToo movement; solar eclipse crosses the US
Gas: $2.42/galHome: $195,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Shape of You" — Ed SheeranBest Picture: The Shape of Water
2026Age 39 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Holds the official world record for the fastest tennis serve ever recorded at 263 km/h (163.4 mph), set in 2012.
- Achieved a career-high ATP singles ranking of World No. 53 in 2015.
- Elected as the Member for Nepean in the Victorian Legislative Assembly in 2022.
- Served as Deputy Leader of the Victorian Liberal Party from December 2024 to January 2026.
Did You Know?
His record-breaking serve was hit during a ATP Challenger tournament in Busan, South Korea.
He is an avid fan of Australian Rules Football and played at a junior level before focusing on tennis.
Groth won a bronze medal in men's doubles at the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi.
“I served aces on the court and now I serve my community.”
