ICON FOR AN ICON - THE LEGENDARY BATH + RACQUET CLUB OF SARASOTA RETURNS WITH TOMMY HAAS AT THE HELM
We had a chance to speak with former ATP #2, Tommy Haas, about being part of the rebirth of Sarasota’s Bath + Racquet Club, which had its heyday back in the 1970’s as a tennis social club and celebrity hotspot in Sarasota. What’s old is new, and more from Tommy below:
You spent your formative years in the Sarasota area, training under the legendary Nick Bollettieri from age 11. How does it feel to return 35 years later to be a part of such an exciting real estate project?
I know this area well, and have so many memories growing up and training here. So it’s an honor and a full circle moment to work on a project that is committed to the long-term vitality of Sarasota, and a way for me to give back to a place that shaped me during some of the most pivotal years of my life. Being a part of Bath + Racquet Residences and Club is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to bring back the original core values of the club while catering to the present-day racquet sports enthusiast. Preserving the legacy of tennis is also very important to me and my work around the world. Bath + Racquet once stood for culture and community, as one of the early hubs for tennis back in the 1970’s and was a driving force in the development of women’s tennis by hosting the Virginia Slims of Sarasota tournament. Therefore, I want to honor that legacy and help Bath + Racquet return to its glory - as a year-round destination for tennis where people can live, work and play.
What inspired you to get involved with Bath + Racquet Residences and Club? Do you have specific memories of the original Bath + Racquet? What do you think makes this project unique and special?
Growing up, I remembered Bath + Racquet as a place where sports brought people together. So when I was presented with the opportunity, it was such a natural fit to get involved. I’m excited to see the rebuild of this entire property – respecting its history and nostalgia, while introducing modern, state-of-the-art features to the brand-new construction. I also love the idea of blending residential, commercial, and recreational into one location, offering the ultimate level of convenience and amenities for today’s busy lifestyle. Also, as an athlete, it is essential to have all of your fitness, wellness and sports amenities under one roof, so that you can focus on playing and training at the most optimum level. This is more than a residential development, it’s a lifestyle destination.
How will your experiences traveling the world and competing at the highest level help inspire your role as Global Ambassador and Club Curator?
My global tennis career has exposed me to some of the most prestigious clubs and finest hospitality experiences around the world – which gives me a unique perspective on what makes a place truly special. From attention to detail, level of service, quality of amenities, programming of activities, or the sense of belonging it fosters – these are all important aspects of Bath + Racquet Residences and Club. I’m excited to bring my global insights and expertise to Bath + Racquet Residences and Club, ensuring that it stands out not just as a place to live, but as a community where people can thrive. I’ll also be working closely with the owners to select a high-end club operator to ensure our residents and members have a world-class experience the minute they step onto the courts.
Are there any parallels between the strategies you’ve used in tennis, and those that you’ve applied in business?
Absolutely. Tennis taught me discipline, focus, and the importance of preparation—traits that are valuable in business as well. Whether on the court or in a boardroom, success requires a clear vision, strategic thinking, and the ability to adapt to challenges. It’s important to always remain composed under pressure, and ready to pivot when necessary – which has guided me in all of my business endeavors. Lastly, a commitment to excellence is essential, and it’s important for me to align with partners and collaborators that share these same values.
How does this project fit into your overall post-tennis career? What other projects are you currently involved in?
Bath + Racquet Residences and Club is a natural extension of my post-tennis career, which has been focused on leveraging my experiences to create meaningful contributions and lasting connections across different sectors – real estate being one of them. I’m very interested in ventures that bring together my passion for sports, health, and community development – and being able to do it through the lens of tennis is quite a perfect match.
What’s next for the sport of tennis? And how will you help shape the future of the sport?
Tennis is constantly evolving, and exciting changes are on the horizon - particularly in how the sport engages with younger audiences and embraces new technologies. I’m committed to staying involved in tennis, whether through my role as Tournament Director for the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, CA, or through mentorship, promotions, or helping innovate within the sport. I see my role as not just preserving the legacy of tennis but also pushing it forward to ensure that it remains vibrant and relevant for future generations. Through my work on and off the court, I hope to contribute to the continued growth and global reach of the sport I love. And it’s great to have Bath + Racquet Residences and Club as one of my partners who equally believes in the future of tennis, and racquet sports at large.