Tracy Austin On Tennis' New Stars

The American reached the US Open quarterfinals at 14, and won the title two years later. At 17, she became No. 1.

Who has caught your eye among today’s crop of young players?

TRACY: I’ll start with Felix Auger-Aliassime. He can already hold his own physically, but what stands out to me is his mental strength. He’s said that pro-tour success doesn’t feel like it’s coming too fast for him, because he’s had success at every level. I really liked that remark. So often players try to skip a level, and they might have a hiccup that can set them back. He’s progressed by the book, and it’s paying off. He waited until he experienced success, and then moved up.

How about on the women’s side?

Amanda Anisimova. Like AugerAliassime, there’s a calm about her— she can think her way through a match. She’s a clean ball-striker. She hits the ball deep and to the sidelines, but she can also soften shots with her hands and use angles. She doesn’t mind hitting a swing volley.