From the world's fastest serve to the halls of parliament

Sport & Games · Published 20 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Sam Groth is a rare example of a modern multi-hyphenate. He reached the pinnacle of professional tennis by hitting a record-breaking serve, then pivoted to high-stakes Australian politics, eventually becoming the Deputy Leader of the Victorian Liberal Party. His journey from the court to the cabinet is a study in professional reinvention.

Groth first made his mark as a powerhouse on the tennis circuit. During the 2012 ATP Challenger in Busan, a serve of 263 km/h (163.4 mph) was clocked by him as the quickest ever recorded. While he didn't win that specific match, the feat cemented his reputation as one of the most formidable servers in the sport. He reached a career-high singles ranking of World No. 53 in August 2015 and a career-high doubles ranking of World No. 24 in February 2015. Key achievements marked his tennis journey, such as reaching a 2014 Hall of Fame Tennis Championships semi-final and assisting Australia's 2022 Davis Cup run to the quarter-finals.

However, his transition into public life was equally distinct. After working for the Nine Network's tennis broadcasts, he entered politics in 2022, winning the seat of Nepean for the Victorian Liberal Party. He cited frustrations with COVID-related lockdowns as a primary motivator for his initial run. Groth's political ascent was rapid. He served as Shadow Minister for various portfolios, including Youth and Tourism, before being elected unopposed as Deputy Leader of the Liberal Party in December 2024. His career has not been without scrutiny; in 2025, he faced criticism regarding his conduct at a 2024 Australian Open fundraiser. Despite these hurdles, Groth remains a prominent figure who successfully navigated the shift from professional athletics to state-level leadership.

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