Tennis

Tennis Stars Share the Impact of Parental Guidance on Their CareersIn a heartwarming video, tennis stars Felix Auger-Aliassime, Ons Jabeur, Daniil Medvedev, Naomi Osaka, and Jessica Pegula joined young reporters at the National Bank Open to discuss the profound influence their parents have had on their tennis journeys and personal development.The players emphasized the unwavering support they received from their parents, who encouraged them to pursue their dreams and provided them with the resources to succeed. Jabeur recalled how her parents took her to every tournament in Tunisia, instilling in her a belief in her abilities.However, the stars also acknowledged that parental advice was not always perfect. Pegula shared that her parents, who did not play tennis, sometimes offered guidance that did not resonate with her. She learned the importance of finding her own path and making decisions that aligned with her goals.Milos Raonic, the Olympic mixed doubles bronze medalist, highlighted the unique role his parents played in his life. While they refrained from giving tennis advice, they provided him with unconditional love and support, allowing him to focus on his game without the pressure of external expectations.The players emphasized the importance of having fun and striving for excellence, mantras that their parents instilled in them. These values have served them well throughout their careers, reminding them to enjoy the game and give their best effort.The video resonated deeply with fans online, who praised its heartwarming message and invaluable insights for parents of young athletes. It serves as a reminder that even the most successful individuals remember their roots and the people who have shaped their lives.

Tennis Courts Reopen in San Francisco, Fostering Community and Youth DevelopmentThe Hunters Point Tennis Courts in San Francisco have undergone a significant renovation, reopening on March 27th with a grand ceremony attended by local dignitaries and tennis legends. The project, a collaboration between Youth Tennis Advantage (YTA), the San Francisco Housing Authority, and San Franciscans for Sports and Recreation (SFFSR), aims to revitalize the community and provide opportunities for youth development through tennis.The $271,000 upgrade, funded by SFFSR and the USTA Foundation, includes four newly resurfaced courts. The courts were originally dedicated in 1987 by tennis icon Arthur Ashe, who believed in using tennis as a tool for education and community empowerment.Current and former tennis stars, including Frances Tiafoe, Mackie McDonald, Rajeev Ram, Brad Gilbert, and Yannick Noah, expressed their support for the project. "It's exactly what the community needs," said Gilbert. "There's nothing better than tennis courts and helping kids."McDonald, a Bay Area native, donated his $50,000 award from the ATP Carbon Tracker Program to Greenaction for Health and Environmental Justice, supporting environmental initiatives in the Bayview Hunters Point community.The reopening ceremony also paid tribute to Ashe's legacy. "The revitalization of the Hunters Point tennis courts is more than just a renovation; it's a recommitment to our youth and the community's future," said YTA executive director Mike Skinner.Yannick Noah, who credits Ashe as a mentor, encouraged the children playing at Hunters Point to "work really hard and enjoy the game. Everything is possible. Keep dreaming and work hard."The Hunters Point Tennis Courts serve as a testament to the power of sports in fostering community, promoting youth development, and honoring the legacy of tennis legends who believed in the transformative power of the game.

Stan Smith, the legendary Wimbledon and US Open champion, will be honored with the Shining Star Award for his unwavering support of the Harlem Junior Tennis & Education Program (HJTEP). This non-profit organization empowers underprivileged youth through tennis, education, and positive behavior.HJTEP's commitment to academic excellence is evident in its participants' impressive 3.1 GPA. The program has transformed the lives of countless boys and girls, providing them with opportunities for tennis and academic success."Stan's dedication has been instrumental in HJTEP's success," said Katrina Adams, Executive Director. "We are grateful for his support and the impact he has made on our youth."Smith's passion for youth development extends beyond HJTEP. He has also been actively involved with the Boys & Girls Club in Los Angeles. "These programs provide kids with direction and opportunities," he said. "Tennis teaches them discipline, time management, and social skills that are invaluable."Smith believes that tennis is a vital tool for promoting health and well-being. "It's the healthiest sport in the world, both physically and emotionally," he said. "It's a sport that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and abilities."Smith's new film, "Stan Smith: Breaking Barriers," features interviews with tennis icons like John McEnroe and Run DMC. The film highlights Smith's impact on the sport and his unwavering commitment to giving back."I'm an advocate for tennis," Smith said. "It's a sport that has given me so much, and I want to share its benefits with others."

Frances Tiafoe, the 25-year-old American tennis star, has made a significant contribution to the Junior Tennis Champions' Center (JTCC) in College Park, Maryland, where he honed his skills as a young player. Tiafoe presented a $50,000 check to the organization, which will support its tennis programming and provide opportunities for under-resourced youth.The donation stems from Tiafoe's Frances Tiafoe Fund, established through the USTA Foundation last summer. The fund aims to support tennis and education programs for youth through the National Junior Tennis and Learning (NJTL) program. JTCC is one of over 250 NJTLs nationwide that receive support from the USTA Foundation.Ray Benton, JTCC CEO, expressed his gratitude for Tiafoe's generosity and mentorship. "Frances is an incredible role model to kids everywhere," Benton said. "It's an honor for our club to have him return to the place where it all started and help us move our mission forward."Tiafoe acknowledged the pivotal role JTCC played in his development. "I wouldn't be where I am today without the support of everyone at JTCC," he said. "It means a lot to me to be able to pay it forward and help the next generation of kids have access to the same opportunities as I did."Tiafoe's support for youth tennis extends beyond the donation. He has conducted youth tennis clinics at tournaments in Dallas and Houston, where he reached the final. Ginny Ehrlich, USTA Foundation CEO, praised Tiafoe's commitment to advocacy. "Frances has turned his success on the court into a platform for advocacy," Ehrlich said. "His belief in the transformative power of sport and learning is reflected in his dedication to opening doors for the next generation."Tiafoe's recent donation and support for youth tennis demonstrate his commitment to giving back to the community that nurtured his talent. As he prepares for the upcoming clay-court season in Europe, Tiafoe continues to inspire young players and promote the transformative power of tennis.

Coco Gauff, the 20-year-old tennis sensation, has returned to her roots to give back to the community that nurtured her passion for the sport. Before the Miami Open, Gauff visited Pompey Park, where she unveiled newly refurbished public tennis courts and hosted a tennis clinic for underprivileged children.Gauff's connection to Pompey Park runs deep. Born in Atlanta and raised in South Florida, she spent countless hours honing her skills on these courts. As a tribute to her humble beginnings, she etched the park's coordinates on the sole of her signature New Balance shoe, the Coco CG1s."It's been on my shoes since the (Coco) CG1 launched, so it's really special to come back and be able to do something for the community that did a lot for me," Gauff said.The refurbishment of Pompey Park is the first in a series of tennis court renovations planned throughout the country as part of the US Open Legacy Initiative, launched in honor of Gauff's maiden Grand Slam victory. The initiative is a testament to Gauff's commitment to making tennis more accessible and inspiring future generations."I strongly believe that tennis can continue to become a more accessible sport, and I would like to thank the USTA for continuing to commit to do so," Gauff said. "Investing in public parks and in our youth is very important."Since 2005, the USTA has awarded over $17 million in Tennis Venture Services (TVS) grants, benefiting 43,000 tennis courts and impacting over $610 million of infrastructure development. The US Open Legacy Initiative will further support these efforts, ensuring that more people have access to quality tennis facilities."All of us involved in tennis are aware of our sport’s life-enhancing benefits, and we are committed to protecting courts and partnering with others to spur new facility development which will ensure more access for more people in more communities,” said Dr. Brian Hainline, Chairman of the Board and President of the USTA.In addition to specific projects selected by Gauff, the US Open Legacy Initiative will also support any project that involves resurfacing public courts that meet the USTA's TVS grant criteria. All completed projects will receive a sign commemorating their refurbishment in honor of Gauff's US Open victory.

The Johnny Mac Tennis Project: Empowering New York City Youth Through TennisFounded in 2010 by tennis legend John McEnroe, the Johnny Mac Tennis Project (JMTP) is a non-profit organization dedicated to breaking down barriers and providing access to tennis for underprivileged youth in New York City.Recognizing the transformative power of tennis, JMTP aims to create a level playing field for children from all backgrounds. Through its scholarship program, the organization supports young athletes who demonstrate financial need and a passion for the sport."We want every kid in New York to have the opportunity to play tennis," said Ryann Cutillo, executive director of JMTP. "Tennis can teach valuable life lessons, such as discipline, perseverance, and teamwork."In addition to its scholarship program, JMTP also supports school tennis programs and community initiatives. The organization's Young Professionals Council (YPC), established in 2020, plays a vital role in expanding JMTP's reach and raising awareness about its mission.The YPC is comprised of eight members who volunteer their time as mentors for JMTP scholarship students. Sabrina Xiong, the president of YPC, is a former scholarship recipient who went on to play tennis at Harvard University."We're always looking for more people to join, take leadership positions, or just be a part of the organization," said Xiong. "We also have a mentorship program that we're really proud of, where we connect students with mentors who can provide guidance and support."JMTP's impact on the lives of young people is undeniable. Patrick McEnroe, John's brother and a former professional tennis player, has witnessed firsthand the transformative power of the organization."A lot of the kids who come here to play tennis have never even seen a facility like this," said McEnroe. "It's definitely making a huge impact on their lives."With its unwavering commitment to providing access to tennis and empowering youth, the Johnny Mac Tennis Project continues to make a significant contribution to the New York City community.