Talking Tennis with Tracy: How it felt to watch my son play the Australian Open—from 8,000 miles away

Brandon Holt's biggest fan was back home in California, but still experienced all of the emotions of being in Melbourne.

By Joel DruckerPublished February 10, 2023

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - AUGUST 29: Former tennis player Tracy Austin greets her son Brandon Holt of the United States after his victory over Taylor Fritz of the United States during the Men's Singles First Round on Day One of the 2022 US Open at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on August 29, 2022 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images) — © Getty Images

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.

Hear about it directly from Tracy, on the latest edition of “Talking Tennis with Tracy”:

Talking Tennis with Tracy: Watching my son play from 8,000 miles away2:12