Sam Querrey
An American tennis player whose thunderous serve and 2017 Wimbledon run broke through the sport's established hierarchy.
Born 1987 (age 39)·American tennis player·Birthday: October 7·Millennials
Biography
Sam Querrey emerged from California with a game built around one of the most formidable serves of his generation. His career was a study in explosive power and quiet consistency, a player who could dismantle any opponent on a given day with a barrage of aces. While he collected ten ATP singles titles on hard courts, his defining moment came on the grass of Wimbledon in 2017, where he executed a stunning upset over the world's top-ranked player, Andy Murray, to reach the semifinals. That run, coupled with his record of hitting ten consecutive aces in a single match, cemented his reputation as a dangerous floater in any draw. Querrey's game, built for speed and efficiency, made him a mainstay in the world's top 20 for years and a respected figure who brought a distinctly American brand of power tennis to the global stage.
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
- Reached the semifinals of the 2017 Wimbledon Championships after defeating then-world No. 1 Andy Murray.
- Won ten ATP Tour singles titles, primarily on hard courts.
- Holds the ATP record for consecutive service aces in a match with ten.
- Achieved a career-high singles ranking of World No. 11 in February 2018.
Did You Know?
He set the record for consecutive aces (10) at the 2007 U.S. Men's Clay Court Championships in Houston.
Querrey won the U.S. Open National Playoffs in 2015 to earn a wildcard into the main draw.
He is an avid fan of the NBA's Los Angeles Lakers.
After retiring from tennis, he began competing professionally in pickleball.
“I've always relied on my serve; it's my biggest weapon.”
