Steve Johnson is an American former tennis player who enjoyed a successful career at both the collegiate and professional levels. Born in California, he became one of the most accomplished players in USC tennis history before turning professional in 2012. During his career, Johnson reached a career-high ATP ranking of World No. 21 and won four ATP singles titles. He also earned an Olympic bronze medal in men’s doubles at the 2016 Rio Games. Beyond his professional achievements, his impressive college tennis record included two NCAA singles championships and a remarkable 72-match winning streak. This article explores his tennis career, age, height, wife, net worth, rankings, titles, and life after retirement.
Who Is Steve Johnson?
Steve Johnson is a former American professional tennis player who competed on the ATP Tour from 2012 until his retirement. Born in Orange, California, he developed a passion for tennis at a very young age and eventually became one of the leading American players of his generation.
Johnson was particularly successful during his time at USC, where he combined individual success with team championships. After turning professional in 2012, he steadily climbed the ATP rankings and became a regular presence in major tournaments.
His biggest singles ranking achievement came in 2016, when he reached World No. 21. During that season, he also became the top-ranked American in men’s singles for one week in August.
Age and Early Life
Born on December 24, 1989, in Orange, California, Steve Johnson is 36 years old as of September 2026.
Tennis became part of his life almost immediately. According to his ATP profile, Johnson began playing tennis at just two years old, using balloons and beach balls. His father, Steve Johnson, was a tennis coach and played an important role in his early development, while his mother, Michelle, was a math professor. He also has a sister named Alison.
Growing up, Johnson admired legendary American players Pete Sampras and Andre Agassi. His early exposure to tennis helped lay the foundation for a professional career that eventually took him to the world’s top 25.
Height and Playing Style
Steve Johnson stands 1.88 meters, or 6 feet 2 inches, tall. He played right-handed and used a two-handed backhand.
His powerful forehand became one of the defining features of his game. Johnson was also known for his ability to compete effectively on hard courts, although he enjoyed success on different surfaces during his career.
The ATP has identified the forehand as his favorite shot and hard courts as his preferred surface.
Tennis Ranking
One of the biggest milestones of his professional career came in 2016 when Johnson reached a career-high singles ranking of World No. 21 on July 25, 2016.
He also reached a career-high doubles ranking of World No. 39 on May 23, 2016.
His rise in 2016 was particularly significant for American tennis. Johnson became the No. 1 American men’s singles player during that season. He also finished inside the year-end Top 50 for five consecutive seasons from 2014 through 2018, demonstrating his consistency at the highest level.
ATP Titles
During his professional career, Johnson won four ATP-level singles titles.
His four singles championships came at:
- Nottingham in 2016
- Houston in 2017
- Houston in 2018
- Newport in 2018
The two Houston victories were especially notable because Johnson became the first repeat champion at the tournament since Andy Roddick won consecutive titles in 2001 and 2002.
He also won two doubles titles during his professional career.
College Record
Johnson’s college career at the University of Southern California was one of the most impressive parts of his tennis journey.
He attended USC from 2009 to 2012 and helped the Trojans win four consecutive NCAA team championships. Individually, he won back-to-back NCAA singles championships in 2011 and 2012.
Johnson finished his college career with an extraordinary 72-match singles winning streak, an NCAA record. He also finished both 2011 and 2012 as the No. 1 college player.
His accomplishments at USC later earned him another major honor. In May 2026, Johnson was inducted into the Intercollegiate Tennis Association Men’s Collegiate Tennis Hall of Fame. USC described him as a four-time All-American and noted his two NCAA singles championships and NCAA-record winning streak.
Young and Childhood Career
Johnson started playing tennis when he was only two years old. Rather than beginning with traditional tennis equipment, he reportedly used balloons and beach balls.
His father introduced him to the sport and served as an important influence during his development. Johnson has credited his father with teaching him much of what he knew about tennis.
As a young player, he looked up to Pete Sampras and Andre Agassi. His childhood connection with tennis eventually developed into an elite college career and, later, a long professional career.
Wife and Family
Steve Johnson is married to Kendall Johnson. The couple married in 2018 and have a family together.
Johnson’s ATP profile lists Kendall as his wife and Emma as his daughter. His family has also been an important part of his life away from professional tennis.
His father, Steve Johnson, was a tennis coach and remained an important influence on his career. His father passed away in May 2017. Johnson’s mother is Michelle, and his sister is Alison.
Net Worth and Career Earnings
There is no officially confirmed public figure for Steve Johnson’s personal net worth. For that reason, widely published online estimates should be treated carefully rather than presented as an exact amount.
His professional tennis earnings, however, give a clearer picture of his financial success. USC reported in 2026 that Johnson earned more than $8 million in career earnings during his professional career.
Those earnings came primarily through tournament prize money, along with the broader financial opportunities available to a professional tennis player. His four ATP singles titles, long-term presence on tour, Grand Slam appearances, and Olympic success all contributed to his professional career.
Olympic Career
One of Johnson’s most memorable achievements came at the 2016 Rio Olympics.
Competing alongside fellow American Jack Sock in men’s doubles, Johnson won the bronze medal. The pair produced an impressive run through the Olympic tournament.
Johnson also reached the singles quarterfinals in Rio. He pushed eventual gold medalist Andy Murray to a deciding-set tiebreak before losing the match.
The Olympic bronze medal remains one of the most important accomplishments of his professional career.
Grand Slam Career
Johnson competed regularly in the four major Grand Slam tournaments during his career: the Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon, and US Open.
His best Grand Slam singles result came at Wimbledon in 2016, when he reached the fourth round. That run included a victory over then-No. 37 Grigor Dimitrov.
Johnson also reached the third round or better at Grand Slam events on several occasions. His ability to compete against highly ranked opponents helped establish him as a consistent American presence on the ATP Tour.
Retirement and Later Career
After more than a decade as a professional, Johnson retired from competitive tennis. His final years included another memorable achievement when he won the 2023 US Open Wild Card Challenge, earning a wild card into the US Open after strong performances on the ATP Challenger Tour.
Johnson’s retirement marked the end of a career that included four ATP singles titles, two doubles titles, an Olympic bronze medal, and a career-high ranking of No. 21.
He retired with a strong record both as a professional and as a college player, and his accomplishments at USC remain an important part of his tennis legacy.
Career Highlights
Some of the most important achievements of his career include:
- Career-high singles ranking of World No. 21
- Career-high doubles ranking of World No. 39
- Four ATP singles titles
- Two ATP doubles titles
- 2016 Olympic men’s doubles bronze medal
- 2016 Olympic singles quarterfinal
- 2016 Wimbledon fourth-round appearance
- Four consecutive NCAA team championships with USC
- Two NCAA singles championships
- NCAA-record 72-match singles winning streak
- 2026 ITA Men’s Collegiate Tennis Hall of Fame induction
- More than $8 million in career earnings
Quick Facts
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Steve Johnson |
| Date of Birth | December 24, 1989 |
| Age | 36 years old |
| Birthplace | Orange, California, United States |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 1.88 m (6 ft 2 in) |
| Plays | Right-handed |
| Backhand | Two-handed |
| Highest Singles Ranking | World No. 21 |
| Highest Doubles Ranking | World No. 39 |
| ATP Singles Titles | 4 |
| College | University of Southern California |
| NCAA Singles Titles | 2 |
| Wife | Kendall Johnson |
| Olympic Medal | 2016 Men’s Doubles Bronze |
| Turned Pro | 2012 |
Conclusion
Steve Johnson’s tennis career combined elite college success with a long and productive run on the ATP Tour. From his record-breaking 72-match winning streak at USC to his career-high World No. 21 ranking, four ATP singles titles, and Olympic bronze medal, he built an impressive résumé in American tennis.
His story also began unusually early, with Johnson picking up a tennis racket at just two years old. After turning professional in 2012, he spent years competing against many of the world’s best players and became the No. 1 American in men’s singles during 2016.
Today, his legacy includes both professional achievements and an exceptional college record, highlighted by his 2026 induction into the ITA Men’s Collegiate Tennis Hall of Fame.
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FAQs
Why did Steve Johnson retire?
Steve Johnson retired from professional tennis in 2024 after dealing with a knee injury that affected his ability to train and compete at the level he wanted. He also felt ready to spend more time with his family and begin the next chapter of his life.
What is Steve Johnson doing now?
After retiring, Johnson has stepped away from professional competition and is focusing on life after tennis. In 2026, he was inducted into the ITA Men’s Collegiate Tennis Hall of Fame for his outstanding USC career.
What is Steve Johnson’s net worth as a tennis player?
His exact personal net worth has not been officially disclosed. However, ATP records list $8,082,688 in combined career prize money, while USC reports that he earned more than $8 million during his professional career.
Is Steve Johnson still playing tennis?
No. Steve Johnson retired from professional tennis in 2024, with his final singles match coming at Indian Wells in March 2024.
How rich is Steve Johnson?
An exact net-worth figure is not publicly confirmed. His documented professional tennis earnings exceeded $8 million, according to USC, but earnings should not be confused with personal net worth.
