Two Flags, One Passion:
Ernesto “Neto” Escobedo III

When Ernesto “Neto” Escobedo III walked away from professional tennis at the age of 28, he closed the chapter on a career defined not only by ATP milestones but by a deeply personal legacy: the honor of representing two nations on every court he stepped onto. Born in Los Angeles to Mexican parents—Ernesto Jr. and Cristina Escobedo—Neto carried the flags of both the United States and Mexico during his playing days, becoming a symbol of bicultural pride for both communities.

As we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, Neto’s journey stands as a testament to the power of identity, culture, and family in shaping his career. Today, months after his March 2025 retirement announcement, he reflects on a path that began on public courts across Southern California and ended with Grand Slam arenas. His story is equal parts heritage and perseverance—a reminder that the sport’s greatest impact often lies beyond rankings and titles, but instead in the legacy left behind and the communities inspired along the way.

Dual Upbringing

Growing up in a Mexican-American household in West Covina, Neto’s connection to his family and culture was ever-present. His roots trace back to the small Mexican city of Jerez Zacatecas—a place Neto treasures and visits often. While his extended family lives there year-round, his parents split their time between Jerez and the U.S. Much of his childhood was spent there, surrounded by cousins, family gatherings, and traditions that helped shape his identity.

Neto was immersed in the tennis world early on in life, picking up the sport at the age of six. His father, Ernesto Jr., played professionally for a short time, while his aunt, Xóchitl Escobedo, competed in the 1988 Olympics. His cousin, Emilio Nava, who just recently broke into the top 100 for the first time, continues to make his own mark on tour. Tennis, in many ways, was a family inheritance, but never forced on him.

“I started playing tennis when I was about six years old. One day I saw my oldest sister who was maybe nine years old winning a tournament and she got a big trophy and I thought that was the coolest thing ever. So I picked up a racquet and ever since then, I’ve never stopped. I like to say my siblings have the brains, and I have the physical abilities,” he says, laughing. 

A Defining Southern California Moment

Southern California was the perfect place for Neto to learn and improve his game. “I think SoCal has great tennis,” he says. “It’s very easy to find courts and there’s a lot of good players and colleges here. I felt like I didn’t have to play ITFs (lower-level professional circuit) because the tennis here was great. So I stayed here in SoCal playing tournaments [until turning pro]. It’s always sunny too which helps out.”

One of Neto’s defining junior tennis highlights came at 14, when he captured the prestigious Easter Bowl in Palm Springs. That victory shifted his perspective. “After winning the Easter Bowl, it hit me that I really did have a shot at going pro,” he recalls. “While the initial plan was to go to USC for college, at the last second I turned professional.”

Making that leap at such a young age required immense confidence. Neto credits his family and coach, the late Hall of Famer Bill Scanlon, for instilling that belief. “My parents really believed in me, and my coach, Bill, was always there for me too. They really made me believe that I could do it.”

Rising on Tour

After joining the professional tour in 2014, Neto’s rise was steady but marked with breakthrough moments. One of the most unforgettable came at the 2016 US Open, when he won his first Grand Slam main draw match at just 19. “That was one of the best matches of my career and one that sticks out the most. My whole family was there—even my grandpa was there. It was a really big moment in my career,” he exclaims.

A year later, he cracked the top 100, achieving a career-high ranking nine times in 2017 and eventually peaking at World No. 67. 

At 21, he won his first ATP Challenger title in Lexington, Kentucky, a victory that he describes as surreal. “It felt amazing. I mean, it went by so fast. I couldn’t really believe it. But it was a great experience seeing all the hard work ever since I was a kid pay off,” he says. 

Soon after, Neto continued to excel on the court, recording wins over established stars like Daniil Medvedev, Frances Tiafoe, Jack Sock, and John Isner. While earning victories over top players and capturing titles was exciting, the most fulfilling part of Neto’s tennis career was representing both the United States and Mexico on court—a testament to honoring his dual heritage and familial roots with pride.

Representing Mexico

In the beginning of his professional career, Neto competed under the American flag. But in 2023, he officially switched allegiances to Mexico, a choice rooted in paying tribute to his family ties in Jerez. 

“It was a family decision,” he says. “Tennis started in my family in Jerez so I felt like I wanted to represent the city even though I was born in LA. I really wanted to embrace my Mexican heritage and see where it took me. It was a privilege representing both countries.”

For Neto, the experience of playing for two nations was about honoring both halves of his identity. “The pride was always there, no matter the flag,” he explains. “But I felt like I was carrying a bit more emotion [representing Mexico] because of my family. I had an idea that I was going to do it at some point in my career. I just didn’t know when.”

Stepping into Retirement

Looking back, the joy of representing both countries outweighed any win or trophy. After a decade on tour, he decided to retire earlier this year—a decision that brought him both peace and pride. 

“I feel great [about the decision to retire]. I was on the tour for about 10 years, and it just got to a point where the losses didn’t hurt anymore and the wins weren’t very fulfilling to me. So that was a sign that it was maybe time to do something else. I would rather help somebody make it than myself,” he says.

New and Old Ventures

Since stepping away, Neto has found new interests while keeping tennis close to his heart. Always drawn to real estate—he bought his first property at 19—he is now focused on home development projects in Southern California. At the same time, he coaches tennis locally, offering lessons focused on junior development and mental strength, as well as hosting tournaments in Los Angeles. 

“I believe I have a lot of experience from my junior and professional career that can translate into a student’s game no matter what level they want to get to. I’m just trying to give everybody in LA an opportunity to play. I hosted my first tournament last month at Biola University, so I’m going to start to have more tournaments there and try to give kids and college players a great experience,” he says, excitedly. 

His advice for young tennis players chasing the pro dream? “Take it day by day. It’s a very long journey. The most important thing is to focus on yourself. Because a player can make it in six months or it could happen in two years. It’s a different journey for everyone.”

Honoring His Heritage and Legacy

For Neto, celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month carries special meaning. “Being both American and Mexican is like having the best of both worlds. The culture is very colorful and bright. I love how families are very close. Everybody just tries to lift each other up. It’s a great culture,” he remarks.

From representing the U.S. to embracing his family’s roots in Mexico, Ernesto “Neto” Escobedo III’s career was never just about tennis. It was about identity, pride, and family. Through every triumph and setback, he carried both flags with pride and purpose, creating a lasting impact far beyond the court.

Today, he reflects with pride: “I wouldn’t change anything. I just think everything happens for a reason, you know? I don’t have any regrets.”

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Lee este artículo en español: https://ustasocal.com/news/mes-de-la-herencia-hispana-ernesto-neto-escobedo