Spizzirri's 'little moment' that led to big dreams

Little did Eliot Spizzirri know when he was competing at the "Little Mo" Nationals at age 10 in Austin, Texas, that the historic junior tournament would become a pivotal moment in his professional tennis pathway.

Eight years later, the American would call Austin home while attending the University of Texas, where Spizzirri finished back-to-back years as the No. 1 player in the ITA singles rankings.

From "Little Mos" to college, it was a full-circle journey deep in the heart of Texas that today stands out to the 22-year-old.

“The first tournament where I realised this is what I want to do full time for a living was the "Little Mo" nationals,’” Spizzirri told ATPTour.com at this week’s MarketBeat Open, an ATP Challenger Tour event in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. “I placed third and there was all this talk like, ‘Andy Roddick played and he placed this and that’ and I got all excited I think.”

The "Little Mo" nationals is one of the most highly touted junior tournaments in the United States. Former champions include Roddick, Taylor Fritz, Tommy Paul and Sebastian Korda. Spizzirri left with a podium finish and won the sportsmanship award.

“That’s one of my fondest memories as a junior tennis player,” Spizzirri said. “I was lucky enough to go back and speak at it in the last couple of years. That was a real honour.”

Spizzirri graduated this past May after a standout collegiate career for the Texas Longhorns. He became a seven-time ITA All-American: three in singles (2021, '23, '24) and four straight in doubles.

Since launching his pro career this June, Spizzirri has a new voice in his corner: Thomas Blake, the brother of former World No. 4 James Blake. Spizzirri’s longtime coach Patrick Hirscht is still involved, but Blake is travelling alongside the Connecticut native.

“He’s a pretty mellow guy,” Spizzirri said of Blake. “He’s got a lot of experience playing and being there with James at a high level. He’s been a great resource for me and I'm looking forward to continuing.”

Spizzirri has already climbed nearly 500 spots in the PIF ATP Rankings in just four months and is currently at a career-high World No. 248. He qualified for his maiden major main draw at the US Open, where he grew up training multiple days a week.

Eliot Spizzirri in action during the Tiburon Challenger final. Credit: Natalie Kim Photography

Through the ATP Next Gen Accelerator Programme, Spizzirri this season has used three spots to gain entry into select Challenger tournaments. Spizzirri reached his maiden Challenger final this month in Tiburon, California before falling to #NextGenATP American Nishesh Basavareddy.

“The Challenger Tour gives everyone that resource to try and see how far you can make it. It’s really hard if you don’t test your level at the Challenger level to skip and go to ATP from college or juniors,” Spizzirri said. “I think the competition is a lot better than probably a lot of people think.”

Spizzirri is not the only athlete in his family aiming for a breakthrough. His twin brother, Nick, is a squash player at the University of Pennsylvania.

“One of his big goals is to try and make the 2028 Olympics in squash because that will be the first year of squash in the Olympics,” Spizzirri said. “I’m rooting for him in that. I used to play a lot of squash. I played a couple tournaments when I was nine or 10, but then realised I have to commit fully to tennis.”

While the twin brothers have pursued different athletic paths, Eliot and Nick share a passion for outdoor activities.

“I love to fly fish. My dad and my twin brother are huge fly fishermen. I enjoy it,” Spizzirri said. “I caught a massive striped bass at 2 a.m. two summers ago. I consider that my favourite catch.”

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