Five things you may not know about Sam Groth

A day after turning 30, Sam Groth announced he would be hanging up his racket at his home Slam, the Australian Open.

Groth reached a career-high ranking of No. 53 in 2015 before numerous injuries would slow, and ultimately end, his career. Despite a string of bad luck, Groth has come to be well-known on both the singles and doubles tours.

The world No. 223 won two career doubles ATP titles (Newport in 2016 and Bogota in 2014) and reached three more doubles finals (all in 2014). His career-best Grand Slam singles runs came at the Australian Open (third round, '15) and Wimbledon (third round, '14).

Here’s a look back at his career and five things you may not know about Groth.

1

He has the fastest serve, ever.

No joke. Groth owns the distinction of hitting the fastest serve on record, raining down a 163.4 mph. Granted, it was an ATP Challenger match in 2012, but still, few players could dream of hitting a serve that hard.

2

He made the French Open semifinals as an unseeded doubles player.

In 2014, Groth and his doubles partner Andrey Golubev made a deep run at the French Open, getting as far as the semifinals, before losing to eventual champions Julien Benneteau and Eduoard Roger-Vasselin. It's Groth's best run at a major (followed by the doubles quarterfinals of the Australian Open this year).

3

He gave Roger Federer a scare at Wimbledon.

In 2015, Federer looked to be en route to another Wimbledon final appearance without dropping a set—until he ran into Groth in the third round. After two competitive sets that Federer won 6-4, 6-4, no one would have blamed Groth for fading. Instead, in a career-defining moment, Groth battled his way to a tiebreak win. Federer cruised 6-2 in the fourth set. Groth also hit the second fastest serve in Wimbledon history (147 mph) in the battle.

4

He is an avid blogger.

In partnership with the Tennis Channel, both Groth and Nicole Gibbs publish a regular journal called “My Tennis Life.” Groth gives fans an unvarnished look at everyday life on tour for players in a less glamorous position than the top players. Maybe most important of all, he posts plenty of pics of his adorable new puppy.

Fittingly, Groth announced his retirement with a video for My Tennis Life.

5

He may have a future in broadcast.

As Groth considers what’s next in his life, at least one notable name in tennis media has suggested a career in the broadcast booth might not be too far behind.

Whatever comes next for Groth, he can leave the sport knowing he made the most of his opportunities—both on and off the court.