Tennis

Growing up in the 1950s and 1960s, Mexican-American Angel Lopez faced challenges as an outsider in both society and the tennis world. Despite these obstacles, he persevered and became a pillar of the sport in his community.As a child, Lopez's Mexican heritage was discouraged, but he found solace in tennis. However, he felt out of place in the country club atmosphere that dominated the sport. Inspired by the success of Mexican tennis legends Pancho Segura and Richard "Pancho" Gonzales, Lopez realized he could achieve greatness too.In the 1970s, Lopez received support from the La Raza Tennis Association, which enabled him to travel to tournaments and train with Segura. Segura's mentorship instilled in Lopez the belief that success in tennis transcended socioeconomic and racial barriers.Lopez began coaching at a young age, passing up professional opportunities for financial stability. In 1979, he joined the San Diego Tennis & Racquet Club, becoming its director of tennis in 1986. Throughout his career, he has worked with renowned players like Michael Chang and Brandon Nakashima.Beyond his coaching accomplishments, Lopez is most proud of his impact on the lives of young Hispanic athletes. He has established scholarships, donated to his alma maters, and hosted junior tournaments. "Giving back to my community is really important to me," he says. "I love coaching top Mexican juniors and seeing them succeed."Lopez's journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and the importance of representation. As a Mexican-American in a predominantly white sport, he faced adversity but ultimately found his place and made a lasting contribution to tennis.

Civil Rights Lawyer Ben Crump Sponsors Underdog Tennis Players at US OpenProminent civil rights attorney Ben Crump is making a statement at the US Open this year by sponsoring lesser-known players through patches on their outfits. Crump's firm's name, "Ben Crump Law," has been visible on the sleeves of players like Tomas Machac and Dusan Lajovic.Crump's involvement in high-profile cases involving police brutality and racial injustice has earned him the title of "Black America's attorney general." His decision to sponsor underdog players at the US Open aligns with his mission to fight for the marginalized."We are sponsoring the underdog in up to 10 of the matches," Crump said. "The sponsorship helps the underdog players who obviously don't have name-brand sponsors but deserve just as much of a chance to display their talents and compete against the best in the world."Crump emphasized that the sponsorship is not primarily about generating business but about promoting diversity and inclusion in sports. "Hopefully when (fans) see the 'Ben Crump' patch on the jerseys of the players, they will think about how social justice is important in all aspects of society, in courtrooms and sports arenas," he said.Crump's sponsorship is a testament to the legacy of Arthur Ashe, the legendary tennis player who was also a vocal advocate for social justice. "The reason we decided to do a sponsorship package in this way was in part because I am still inspired by (Ashe's) legacy," Crump said.By supporting underdog players, Crump hopes to inspire them to reach their full potential and to raise awareness about the importance of social justice in both sports and society.

Sloane Stephens, the renowned American tennis player, has been recognized for her unwavering commitment to philanthropy and community service. Her Sloane Stephens Foundation has earned her a nomination for the prestigious Muhammad Ali Sports Humanitarian Award at The Espys.The foundation, established in 2013, aims to foster diversity in tennis and provide opportunities for underrepresented youth. Through free programming, educational support, and mental health resources, the foundation has impacted over 10,000 minority youth annually. Its reach extends beyond tennis, supporting youth development in the Compton Unified School District and communities in South Florida, Haiti, and South Africa.Stephens' dedication to education is further exemplified by the Doc & Glo Scholarships, named after her grandparents. Launched in 2022, the $30,000 fund supports students attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) or pursuing careers in healthcare.Stephens' nomination for the Muhammad Ali Sports Humanitarian Award is a testament to her unwavering commitment to making a positive impact through sports. She joins an esteemed group of finalists, including basketball star CJ McCollum, baseball legend Anthony Rizzo, and the Maui surfing community.The award recognizes athletes who have demonstrated exceptional leadership and created a measurable impact on their communities. Previous winners include Kevin Durant, Nelson Cruz, and Albert Pujols. The award will be presented at The Espys, airing live on ABC on July 11th.Stephens' nomination highlights the transformative power of sports in fostering social change and inspiring future generations. Her work through the Sloane Stephens Foundation serves as a beacon of hope and opportunity for countless young people.