Renowned for his wit and charm on The Daily Show, Michael Kosta has captured hearts as a correspondent and now as a host on the popular political satire program. But did you know that behind that charismatic smile lies the story of a man whose fate almost took him to a different path – one of tennis courts and forehands?
Before gracing our screens with his comedic genius, Kosta had a different passion – tennis. In a surprising turn of events, he is set to release a memoir in 2025 titled Lucky Loser, chronicling his journey from a failed tennis pro to a successful television comedian.
Speaking to People magazine about his upcoming book, Kosta described his story as “funny and human,” a tale that he believes will resonate with readers. Reflecting on his transition from tennis to comedy, Kosta admitted, “I had to remind myself how it happened because it is a strange path.”
During his college years at the University of Illinois from 1998 to 2001, Kosta showcased his tennis skills under the mentorship of coach Craig Tiley, who is now known as the tournament director for the Australian Open. Following his collegiate career, Kosta briefly dabbled in the ITF circuit from 2002 to 2004, reaching a career-high ranking of No. 864, before finding his calling as an assistant coach at the University of Michigan.
It was during his time at the University of Michigan that Kosta discovered his love for comedy, performing at nightclubs and eventually making the move to Los Angeles to pursue a career in entertainment. Despite leaving the competitive tennis scene, Kosta’s passion for the sport never waned.
Today, Kosta continues to stay connected to his tennis roots by hosting the podcast Tennis Anyone, where he engages in lively discussions about the sport. He also made appearances at the US Open this year, conducting interviews and gracing the Tennis Channel with his presence. Additionally, Kosta hosts Warm and Fuzzy on the Tennis Channel, a show where players unwind and share what brings them joy and comfort.
As Kosta navigates his way through the worlds of comedy and tennis, his unique journey serves as a reminder that sometimes, life can lead us down unexpected paths. And in Kosta’s case, it’s a story that promises to entertain and inspire readers in equal measure.
