Dane Sweeny: from “Hating Tennis” to Career-changing US Open | The Sit Down

This week Viv caught up with Dane Sweeny at the US Open during the Australian’s breakthrough run to the third round of a Grand Slam. His second-round win over 13th seed Lorenzo Musetti, and the prize money boost accompanying his best Slam performance, has been career-altering, boosting the 25-year-old’s belief that he belongs at the top level of the sport. This latest performance, coming after qualifying for the main draw at the Australian Open and Wimbledon, was unthinkable when he walked away from the game in mid 2024 “hating tennis” and unsure if he would return. Yet he soon began to miss it and returned – with a greater focus on gratitude, mindfulness and discipline – to completely alter his career trajectory and tennis story. Coupled with his rise to the cusp of the top 100, Sweeny has been winning fans over, especially in New York, with his athletic, dynamic style and fighting spirit.

0:00 Welcome & reflecting on the US Open run
0:50 What progress like this means practically
1:15 Season highlights — AO win, Wimbledon & feeling of belonging
2:06 The break from tennis in 2024
2:53 Hating tennis — results or grind?
3:23 What he'd have done if he'd stopped playing
3:49 Coaching relationship with his dad & Lou Jack
4:19 Inspiration from Lleyton Hewitt
4:56 Friendships & living with fellow Aussie players
5:50 Time spent with other Australians on tour
6:04 Gratitude for his support system
6:38 Mindfulness & meditation in his approach to tennis
7:24 The tea ceremony ritual
8:21 Developing as a person, not just a player
9:10 His growing popularity & unique style
9:42 Contrast between calm off-court & acrobatic on-court style
10:03 When his all-out athletic style began
10:21 Values most important to him
11:08 Biggest lesson tennis has taught him

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Welcome to the official Australian Open YouTube channel. The Australian Open 2027 main draw runs from 17-31 January in Melbourne. The tournament takes place for the 115th time and is the first Grand Slam of the year. Carlos Alcaraz is the men’s singles reigning champion and Elena Rybakina is the women’s singles reigning champion. The tournament takes place on 25 hard courts, including Rod Laver Arena, Margaret Court Arena and John Cain Arena. Look out for highlights, press conferences, memorable moments and much more!

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