By Liz Leamy
Eliot Spizzirri, the talented and decorated American tennis player from Greenwich has been making remarkable inroads upon ever since joining the celebrated ATP tour last summer, just having recently catapulted in the fall from a ranking of 300 in the men’s singles dominion in early October to 223rd by mid-November, climbing nearly 80 places in two months to designate him as one of the most exciting athletes to watch on this decorated international athletic circuit.
Spizzirri, who turned 23 in late December and grew up playing at the Round Hill Club, had racked up a slew of accomplishments and victories in the tennis world prior to reaching this premiere professional level in the sport, most recently having being named as the Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) National Player of the Year in 2023 and 2024 when he was attending the University of Texas in Austin where he had earned a business degree last spring, among other things.
Ever since joining the ATP tour upon his graduation from college, Spizzirri, in signature style, has been making an indelible mark upon the tennis world as has been as focused and committed as ever on continuing to evolve and further the skills of his game, with competing at the professional level being a pursuit he has wanted to do ever since he first began playing at age five.
“It’s a lot of fun and it’s all been very exciting so far,” said Spizzirri. “It’s something I’ve always wanted to do and it’s definitely been quite a journey and I’m grateful to have this opportunity.”
Ever joining the ATP tour, Spizzirri has been playing in characteristic stellar fashion, having racked up top-tier finishes that have included qualifying for the celebrated Grand Slam U.S. Open men’s singles main draw last summer after he had triumphed in the three consecutive qualifying matches leading up to that point, an experience he describes as amazing.
“Being out there playing and getting into a flow state is where I feel totally alive,” said Spizzirri, who was also a quarter finalist in the 2023 NCAA singles championships and the 2019 U.S. Open Junior Doubles champion with Tyler Zink of the U.S. who lives in Bradenton, Florida. “Feeling in the zone is everything and when it happens, it’s a place like no other.”
Humble, focused and driven, Spizzirri cited the vital role his family and friends play in his life, with their constant support and presence being a vital and stabilizing force, especially at this juncture in his career being, one that is constantly chock full of learning experiences, opportunities and remarkable and interesting moments.
“Competition, for me is the most exciting part of playing and the whole experience is just a lot of fun,” said Spizzirri. “The game teaches you a lot and there’s always something to learn, which is a strength.”
Since embarking on the ATP tour, Spizzirri has been busy traveling to dozens of different U.S. and international cities where he has faced off against other top-ranked domestic and international players in the singles and doubles domains, something, for him, that has been an invaluable experience in all respects.
“Every match is different and it’s always good to be out there,” said Spizzirri, whose twin brother, Nick, is a number-one U.S. squash player for the University of Pennsylvania and is looking to compete at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, while his younger sister, Alex, is attending the University of Virginia. “I’m lucky I get to do this.”
Spizzirri also expressed the importance of spending time with his family and friends in Greenwich and how it means so much to him.
“I love being home with my family and friends,” said Spizzirri. “Everyone gets together and we have a good time. Greenwich is an amazing place with great people. Their work ethic, dedication and heart is everything and something that has made a big impact on me.”
Meanwhile, Spizzirri credited his coaches, especially Patrick Hirscht, his longtime teacher and mentor whom he first began working with at the Round Hill Club, for helping him to achieve this exciting chapter in his tennis career.
“He has always had a lot of belief in me and I’ve been so fortunate to have him as a coach and mentor,” said Spizzirri. “He’s taught me so much. It’s all about believing, learning and being accountable in whatever you do, which is pretty cool stuff that is so important and also universal.”
Spizzirri, who practices six to seven days a week four hours or more a day on and off the court, also said that that one of the biggest things he has come to learn from his experience playing tennis over the years is that the journey is the victory.
“It’s all about learning and growing,” said Spizzirri. “There’s always something new that comes up and figuring out how to deal with those things and situations definitely keeps you on your game.”
Without a doubt, it has been a thrill for those in Greenwich and beyond to watch Spizzirri pursue his remarkable journey this sport as he is also starting to emerge as one of the sport’s most exciting up-and-coming ambassadors who is making an impact with work ethic, dedication, humility and heart on so many.
“This is an adventure and I love it,” said Spizzirri. “I enjoy it all, the playing, the traveling and more than anything, just being with players and people from all over the country and world. It’s pretty incredible.”
Note: Most recently in early January, Spizzirri clinched the Challenger Canberra Men’s Doubles tournament title with his partner, Ryan Seggerman of the U.S., defeating Pierre-Hugues Herbert of France and Jerome Kym of Switzerland, 1-6, 7-5, 10-5.
