BIO:

Christo Van Rensburg is a former pro tennis player, hailing from South Africa. 

He was ranked #1 in the world in doubles, won 20 top-level doubles titles during his career, including one Grand Slam men’s doubles title in 85’. Christo ranked as high as #19 in the world in singles, and is one of only two men to beat Pete Sampras in straight sets at Wimbledon.

Christo’s wife, Monica van Rensburg (Reinach) also played at Wimbledon, along with her sister, Elna Reinach, making them a truly elite tennis family — but the most humble, welcoming, and incredible people you’ll meet. 

Christo and the fam now run “Dropshot Series”, a tennis tournament promotion company hosting pro tennis events in Austin, TX. They’ve hosted several USTA/ ITF level events and are now hosting the very first WTA Tour event — The ATX Open — which is 1 of only 5 women’s only WTA Tour level events in the USA.

Christo runs Dropshot Series with Bryan Sheffield, Tournament Promoter and Founder of DropShot, who also owns stake in MLS team Austin FC, and founded Parsley Energy.

In addition to all this, Christo also gives back to the game by way of coaching — and coaches elite players like Fernanda Contreras Gomez along with having captained South Africa in the Davis Cup, coaching up players like University of Georgia’s Philip Henning.

Connect with Christo:

- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christo-van-rensburg-23802511/

Find out more about Dropshot Series:

- Website: https://dropshotseries.com

Find out more about ATX Open:

- Event info: https://atxopen.com/event-info/

- Partners & Sponsors: https://atxopen.com/partners/

- Buy Tickets: https://atxopen.com/tickets/

- To watch the ATX Open on TV or via streaming tune into The Tennis Channel!

- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/atxopen/

- Twitter: https://twitter.com/AtxOpen

Sponsorship Inquiries for ATX Open:

- Contact Unrivaled Group: https://unrivaledgroup.com

Key Topics:

* Christo’s Playing Career

   * Competing with top talent and learning from them

* Coaching

   * Remembering those who helped you, and giving back to those coming next

* Christo’s adventure into the Tennis Tournament Promotion business

   * Dropshot Series

   * ATX Open

* Christo meeting his wife

Recorded in September 2022 in Austin, TX.

Connect with Alec on Social:

- Linktree to all platforms: https://linktr.ee/smartalec  

Podcast info:

- Podcast website: https://smartalecshow.com

- RSS feed: feed:https://feeds.simplecast.com/ngBH2BfM

- Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/634MOIW582k2STgC06Rvl9?si=ulGRaagxSBCHROX0OEQCCA

- Apple podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-smart-alec-show/id1577614268  

- Amazon Music & Audible: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/96993c84-1664-4a67-921d-9b731fbdca99

(Also available on ALL major audio platforms within the USA as well as most globally.)

#atxopen #atx #tennis 

Florian Hemme is an expert within the field of sports management and sports finance. Born in Germany, he now resides in Charlotte, North Carolina. He holds a business degree, two masters degrees in Human Resource Management and Sports Management, and a PhD in Sports Management from UT Austin. He now lectures on sports finance and other sports industry related topics. I’m honored to have had “Dr. H” on the podcast and been able to chat with him.

Connect with Florian Hemme:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/florianhemme/

Topics Discussed:

• What is Sports Finance?
• Return on Investment in Sports; difference from other investment vehicles regarding profits
• Accounting and Financial maneuvers used uniquely within sports
• Financing of stadiums
• Different League Structures
• More on College Athletics
• How To Perform Better
• Parenting
• Polarization in America
• The value of Contemplative Practices like Meditation
• Advice for those wanting to work in sports

Recorded on May 23, 2022

Connect with Alec on Social:

- Linktree to all platforms: https://linktr.ee/smartalec 

Podcast info:

- Podcast website: https://smartalecshow.com

- RSS feed: feed:https://feeds.simplecast.com/ngBH2BfM

- Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/634MOIW582k2STgC06Rvl9?si=ulGRaagxSBCHROX0OEQCCA

- Apple podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-smart-alec-show/id1577614268 

- Amazon Music & Audible: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/96993c84-1664-4a67-921d-9b731fbdca99

(Also available on ALL major audio platforms within the USA as well as most globally.)

James Santore is the founder and CEO of Three Two Strategies — a firm based out of Philadelphia offering marketing services and strategic consulting to venture funds, startups, athletes, and more. James is Philadelphia born and raised, played D1 baseball at La Salle University as pitcher, founded the La Salle Legends Foundation, and served as Director of Marketing & Brand Strategy at SeventySix Capital before moving on to work in Chicago with Fubo Gaming as Strategic Partnerships Manager. James serves on the board of Crypto Curr3ntly and also blogs, skates, lifts heavy, and we’re honored to have a legend in the making like him on as a friend of the show.

Connect with James here:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamessantore/
• IG: @jamessantore

Learn more about Three Two Strategies here:

• Website: https://www.threetwostrategies.com
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/32strategies/

Topics Discussed:

• James’ upbringing — how fitness has always been top of mind as a way to stay disciplined
• James time playing D1 baseball at La Salle:
• James career journey:
• Mindset:
• Philadelphia Eagles v Dallas Cowboys trash talk, pre-season predictions, James’ favorite Philadelphia sports moments
• James’ biggest inspirations, advice for those trying to break into the sports industry or start their own businesses, along with tips for leading a happy life

Recorded on July 29th, 2022

#sportsbiz #threetwostrategies #philly #philadelphia #seventysixcapital #fubo #marketing #sportsmarketing

Connect with Alec on Social:

- Linktree to all platforms: https://linktr.ee/smartalec 

Podcast info:

- Podcast website: https://smartalecshow.com

- RSS feed: feed:https://feeds.simplecast.com/ngBH2BfM

- Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/634MOIW582k2STgC06Rvl9?si=ulGRaagxSBCHROX0OEQCCA

- Apple podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-smart-alec-show/id1577614268 

- Amazon Music & Audible: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/96993c84-1664-4a67-921d-9b731fbdca99