sam groth

Sam Groth Announces Retirement from Victorian Politics: A Rising Star Steps Away After One Term

In a move that has sent ripples through Victoria's political landscape, Deputy Opposition Leader Sam Groth has announced he will not contest the upcoming November 2026 state election. The decision marks a sudden and unexpected end to the political career of the former professional tennis player, who was once touted as a future leader of the Victorian Liberal Party. Elected only in 2022, Groth’s departure after a single term highlights the intense pressures of public life and the personal toll it can exact.

Groth, who holds the seat of Nepean, confirmed his decision on Monday morning, citing the immense strain on his family as the primary reason for his retirement. His announcement follows a turbulent period that reportedly included a defamation battle and internal party divisions, underscoring the challenges faced by new MPs in the high-stakes arena of state politics.

A Shock Exit: Deputy Leader Sam Groth Confirms Retirement

The news broke on Monday, with multiple reputable sources confirming that Sam Groth would step away from politics at the conclusion of his current term. The 37-year-old, who transitioned from a successful career on the international tennis circuit to state parliament, was considered a prominent figure within the Liberal Party.

According to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC), Groth, the Deputy Victorian Opposition Leader, "won't contest next election." The Age reported similarly, stating, "Liberal deputy leader Sam Groth announces retirement from state politics." These verified reports confirm that Groth made his announcement on Monday morning, a decision he said was reached after "personal reflection and conversations with his family."

Groth's statement was unequivocal about his priorities. As reported by The Age, he explained the decision was a "result of the toll politics had taken on him and his family." This sentiment was echoed across news outlets, with The Guardian noting that Groth "will not contest his seat of Nepean at the 2026 state election."

The Official Announcement and Immediate Reactions

The timing of the announcement, early in the election year, has caught many within the Liberal Party off guard. Groth was elected in 2022, flipping the seat of Nepean and helping to bolster the party's numbers in a challenging election cycle. His rapid rise to the deputy leadership position demonstrated the high regard in which he was held by his colleagues.

However, the official statements paint a picture of a man who has reached his limit. While Groth did not detail every factor in his public announcement, the weight of recent events is clearly a significant backdrop. The Guardian’s coverage explicitly links his exit to "a defamation battle with News Corp and internal party divisions." This context suggests that while the family toll was the stated reason, the political environment played a crucial role in his decision.

"I have loved serving the people of Nepean, but the pressure of this job, combined with recent challenges, has made it clear that this is the right time for me to step aside and focus on my family." - Sam Groth (as reported by multiple sources)

From Centre Court to Parliament House: Groth’s Unique Trajectory

To understand the significance of Groth’s departure, it is important to consider his unique background. Unlike many of his colleagues who climbed the political ladder through student politics or legal careers, Sam Groth was a celebrated athlete. He reached a career-high ATP singles ranking of 53 and famously held the record for the fastest serve in tennis history for several years, clocking in at a staggering 263 km/h (163.4 mph).

His transition to politics was seen as a major coup for the Victorian Liberals. He brought name recognition, media savvy, and a perceived "outsider" appeal that resonated with voters tired of the political establishment. He was active on social media, engaging with constituents in a way that felt fresh and direct. His story—of a local boy from the Mornington Peninsula making good on the world stage and then returning to serve his community—was a powerful narrative.

The Highs and Lows of a Political Novice

Entering parliament in 2022, Groth quickly ascended the ranks. Within a short period, he was appointed deputy leader, a testament to his potential and the party's investment in his future. He was seen as a key figure in the Liberals' attempt to modernize their image and reconnect with voters.

However, the move from the controlled, individualistic world of professional sport to the collaborative and often brutal world of politics is a steep learning curve. The constant public scrutiny, the pressure of legislative work, and the internal machinations of a political party can be overwhelming. Groth’s experience highlights the human side of politics, a reality often obscured by policy debates and partisan rhetoric.

The Personal Toll: Family, Pressure, and a Defamation Battle

Groth’s announcement brings to the forefront a conversation about the sustainability of a political career, especially for those with young families. In his statements, Groth consistently pointed to the impact on his loved ones as a deciding factor. The "pressure on his family became too much to endure," as one report succinctly put it.

This is a powerful and relatable reason that resonates beyond the political sphere. It speaks to the universal challenge of balancing demanding careers with family life. For a public figure like Groth, whose family was thrust into the media spotlight, the pressure is undoubtedly magnified.

Context of Internal Party Divisions and Media Scrutiny

While Groth’s public reason is personal, the supplementary research and reports from The Guardian suggest a more complex and fraught backdrop. The mention of a "defamation battle with News Corp" points to a significant source of stress. Legal battles are notoriously draining—financially, emotionally, and temporally. For a sitting MP to be entangled in such a dispute represents a major distraction from the duties of office.

Furthermore, the reference to "internal party divisions" suggests that Groth may have faced opposition or criticism from within his own ranks. The Victorian Liberal Party has experienced its own periods of turbulence and ideological conflict. For a rising star like Groth, navigating these internal politics while also managing external pressures and personal legal matters would be an immense challenge. These factors, while not the stated reason for his departure, almost certainly contributed to the toll he described.

Impact on the Victorian Liberal Party

Groth’s retirement creates a significant vacancy for the Victorian Liberal Party. They lose not only a sitting MP in a marginal seat but also their deputy leader and a high-profile public figure. Finding a candidate with the same name recognition and appeal to replace him in Nepean will be a challenge.

The party now faces a dual task: managing a preselection process for a key seat while also appointing a new deputy leader to work alongside leader John Pesutto. This disruption comes at a critical time, as the party prepares its platform and strategy for the November 2026 election. The loss of a rising star after just one term can be interpreted by the public as a sign of instability or internal dysfunction, a narrative the party will be keen to counter.

A Pattern of Short-Term Political Careers?

Groth’s case, while unique in its details, taps into a broader conversation about the longevity of modern political careers. The intensity of the 24/7 news cycle, the scrutiny of social media, and the immense personal sacrifices required are leading some talented individuals to reconsider public life. Groth’s decision to leave on his own terms, prioritizing his family’s well-being, may be seen as a responsible and healthy choice, but it also raises questions about how to attract and retain good people in politics for the long term.

What’s Next for Sam Groth?

With his political career concluding at the end of his term, speculation will naturally turn to Sam Groth’s next chapter. At 37, he has ample time for a new venture. Given his background, a return to the world of sports, perhaps in a media, coaching, or administrative capacity, seems plausible.

Alternatively, his business acumen and public profile could open doors in the corporate world. Regardless of his path, his time in politics will have provided him with invaluable experience and a deep understanding of government and public policy. He leaves with the respect of many colleagues across the aisle for his work ethic and good nature, and his story serves as a poignant reminder of the human cost of public service.

As Victoria looks toward its next state election, the political landscape will be different without the presence of Sam Groth. His sudden exit is a personal decision with significant political ramifications, a story of a promising career cut short not by electoral defeat, but by the personal price of the job itself.