Professional Tennis Star JP Smith Joins Douglas Elliman in Miami
by ELLIMAN INSIDER TEAM
April 2026
John-Patrick “JP” Smith has had experience performing at the highest level, and now he’s bringing that same competitiveness to Douglas Elliman. A former ATP Tour standout with a career-high doubles ranking of No. 39 and more than 40 professional titles, Smith built his reputation on discipline, strategy and resilience. His success has been the result of a constant drive to excel, highlighted by honors like the University of Tennessee’s 2011 SEC Athlete of the Year, an accolade once earned by Peyton Manning, along with Grand Slam finals appearances and victories over some of the sport’s top players.
As an agent in Douglas Elliman’s Miami office, Smith approaches real estate with the same intensity and precision he used on the court. He gravitated towards Elliman’s high performance and global reach, seeing the transition as natural. For Smith, helping clients navigate complex decisions requires many of the same skills needed for competing in a high-stakes match: focus and quick thinking under pressure, along with a commitment to delivering results when it matters most. Below, he shares more about his journey and what continues to drive his success.
How did you begin your career in real estate?
Real estate has been a passion of mine ever since I was a kid. I was fascinated with the different types of houses and aesthetic looks that all houses have. Still competing on the professional ATP Tennis Tour, real estate felt like a natural extension of everything I’d learned on the court. Discipline, preparation, resilience and the ability to perform under pressure. I started by immersing myself in the market the same way I once studied opponents by analyzing trends, understanding neighborhoods and learning the nuances of collaborating.
Why did you choose to join to Douglas Elliman?
Douglas Elliman reminds me of the elite training environments I thrived in as an athlete, places where excellence isn’t optional, it’s the standard. The culture, the leadership, the global reach and the commitment to integrity all resonated with me. I wanted to align myself with a brokerage that matched my ambition and provided the tools to elevate my performance. Elliman feels like joining a world class team again.
Elliman feels like joining a world class team again.
What do you find most meaningful or gratifying about your work as a real estate agent?
In tennis, every match was about problem solving, overcoming adversity and emotion. Real estate gives me that same sense of purpose. Helping clients navigate one of the most important decisions of their lives, guiding them with clarity and confidence and seeing their joy when everything comes together is deeply fulfilling. It’s a different kind of victory, but it’s a victory, nonetheless.
Are there any specific moments in your career that you’re particularly proud of?
I’m fortunate to say that I’ve competed in professional tennis at the highest level for 15 years. I’ve had singles wins against some of the elites such as Taylor Fritz, Alex De Minaur, Alexander Zverev, Alexander Bublik, Karen Khachanov, Andrey Rublev, Ivo Karlovic, Cameron Norrie and Tallon Griekspoor to name a few. I’ve made two Grand Slam Finals in Mixed Doubles, represented my home country of Australia in United Cup and been ranked #1 in Singles and Doubles in NCAA Div1 College Tennis at the University of Tennessee.
What do you love most about the market and community you serve?
I love the energy that Miami brings. The blend of culture, architecture, lifestyle and ambition. The community I serve is diverse, dynamic and constantly evolving, much like the global tennis circuit I still compete on. There’s a sense of possibility here, and being part of that growth, helping people find their place within it, is incredibly rewarding.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received in your career?
The best advice I ever received in both tennis and real estate was: “Control what you can control.” Preparation, attitude, effort and integrity are always within your power. Markets shift, circumstances change, but your commitment to excellence should never waver.
What are you excited to learn or achieve next in your career, and how Elliman can help you achieve it?
I’m excited to continue sharpening my expertise, expanding my market knowledge, elevating my framework skills and building a strong network of clients and collaborators. Elliman’s resources, mentorship and global platform give me the foundation to grow not just as an agent, but also as a trusted advisor. My goal is to become a top producer, and I’m confident Elliman is the right environment to make that happen.
What inspires you, whether professionally or personally?
I’m inspired by people who chase excellence relentlessly, such as athletes, entrepreneurs, artists—anyone who refuses to settle. I’m also inspired by the idea of reinvention. Tennis taught me that success isn’t a moment, it’s a mindset. That mindset continues to drive me every day.
Tennis taught me that success isn’t a moment, it’s a mindset.
What do you enjoy doing outside of real estate?
I love being active! Fitness, travel and exploring new cultures. I’m passionate about personal development, staying curious and finding ways to challenge myself beyond the professional sphere.
Are you involved with any philanthropic causes or community initiatives that you’d like to highlight?
Giving back has always been important to me. Throughout my tennis career, I supported youth sports programs in my hometown, and I continue to stay involved in initiatives that promote access to athletics and education. I believe in creating opportunities for the next generation in the same way others created opportunities for me.
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