Served with Andy Roddick From College Tournaments to ATP Leadership Insights with former player and US Open executive Eric Butorac
4 snips
Aug 20, 2024 
Eric Butorac, former ATP doubles pro and current US Open Director of Pro Tennis Operations and Player Relations. He recounts rising from DIII college tennis to Euro club life. Conversation covers life on European money tournaments, choosing and losing doubles partners, his time on the ATP Player Council, and behind-the-scenes work running player services and Fan Week at the US Open.
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From DIII To Sleeping In Clubhouses
- Eric Butorac went from Division III college champion to sleeping on clubhouses and cheap Formula One hotels while chasing European money tournaments.
- He survived on small tournament payouts, friends' support, and parents who mortgaged their house to keep him playing long enough to break through.
The Reality Of European Money Tournaments
- Eric describes month-long European money tournaments where lower-ranked players filter in and earn small payouts per win to cover food and gas.
- He recounts entering multiple events a week, sometimes losing twice in one day while traveling across France for minimal earnings.
Border Bribes And Touring Misadventures
- Eric tells a travel story of winning a future with coach Peter Popovich and then negotiating passage across a Czech border without proper paperwork.
- He recalls bribing border guards with euros, rackets, and a jacket to continue touring with his teammate.