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The constant grind of tennis can take a toll on the body and the mind. Sam Querrey knows firsthand. The ATP tour veteran encourages junior players to step away for a bit to refresh and just be a kid.

Sam Querrey
© ATP Tour

“If you are 14 years old and it’s spring break, there is no harm in taking a week off and going to do something fun. I feel like kids worry if they don’t play tennis for a week they are going to lose it and it’s not going to be good,” Querrey said. “I am even guilty of that now, and my coach is great at reminding me all the time I can take a month off and I am going to be fine. For most kids, the talent is there. Take a break and enjoy yourself rather than just not literally taking a day off.”

In his 13th year on tour, Querrey is gearing up for another run at the U.S. Open. The 31-year-old missed three months earlier this year recovering from an abdominal injury. He returned in time for Wimbledon, where he reached the quarterfinals before falling to Rafael Nadal.

Querrey didn’t follow the same stereotypical path as many highly-ranked juniors. He grew up in Thousand Oaks, California, and attended public school until graduating from high school. The 6-foot-6 right-hander loved being a normal teenager, hanging out with friends and attending Friday night football games.

“I wouldn’t change it for anything. My five best friends are my buddies from Redwood Middle School and Thousand Oaks High,” said Querrey, a Class of 2006 blue chip. “I still talk to them all the time and see them whenever I can. Those are my five core friends and it’s nice to have that group that isn’t a tennis group of guys.”