In the early 1990s, American tennis was all about Pete Sampras and Andre Agassi—two prodigies expected to dominate the sport for years. However, almost unnoticed, their compatriot Jim Courier shocked the tennis world by becoming the first of his generation to claim the No. 1 ATP ranking.
Now 54 and a well-respected sports analyst, Courier’s meteoric rise lasted only a few seasons. By the age of 29, he retired, citing a complete lack of motivation for winning games.
Courier’s talent was evident from a young age. In the late 1980s, he claimed a junior French Open doubles title and won the prestigious Orange Bowl tournament twice (1986 and 1987) in Miami. This success paved the way for him to turn professional in 1988.
At that time, tennis was ruled by legends like Ivan Lendl, Boris Becker, and Stefan Edberg, while icons such as Jimmy Connors and John McEnroe were nearing the end of their careers. But when it came to future stars, all eyes were on Sampras and Agassi, but Courier was about to change that narrative.
