Randy Walker

Novak Djokovic Ties Margaret Court’s Record With U.S. Open Win

September 11, 2023 by Randy Walker Leave a Comment

by Randy Walker

@TennisPublisher

Novak Djokovic won his 24th major singles enduring past Daniil Medvedev 6-3, 7-6 (5), 6-3 to equal Margaret Court for the all-time lead in tennis history for most major singles titles won in a career. At age 36, Djokovic also became the oldest U.S. Open men’s singles champion, eclipsing Ken Rosewal, who won the 1970 U.S. singles title at age 35. Remarkably, Djokovic has now won titles at exactly one third of the majors he’s played in (24 titles in 72 major appearances).

The final against Medvedev was a rematch of their 2021 U.S. Open final when Medvedev upset Djokovic and ruined his bid to win for a Grand Slam sweep of all four majors in a single year, a feat only achieved by five players in tennis history. However, in 2023, Medvedev was not able to prevent Djokovic from making tennis history.

The match was ultimately decided in an incredible 1 hour, 44-minute second set, where Djokovic saved a set point and showcased some clutch serve and volley tactics when appeared to be in physical distress.

The fourth championship for Djokovic in New York also provided some poetic justice for the Serbian as he was unable to play the event in 2022 due to the United States government’s policy against admitting non-citizens who were not vaccinated. Djokovic also endured disappointment when he was disqualified from the 2020 U.S. Open when he mistakenly hit a ball in anger that hit a linesperson.

John McEnroe Charity Raises Record $625,000

August 30, 2023 by Randy Walker Leave a Comment

The John McEnroe Foundation’s Johnny Mac Tennis Project today announced that Saturday’s PRO AM event at SPORTIME Amagansett raised a record $650,000 in one day, besting the previous record of $600,000. It is the organization’s largest fundraiser of the year, with all proceeds going towards the foundation’s mission of transforming young lives by removing the economic, racial and social barriers to success through tennis.

Founded by tennis hall of famer John McEnroe, JMTP introduces tennis to thousands of under-resourced New York City area children, particularly those living in East Harlem and the South Bronx.

There were 75 teams competing in the event alongside legends: John McEnroe, Patrick McEnroe, James Blake, Reilly Opelka, Jim Courier, Rennae Stubbs, Andrea Petkovic, Luke Jensen and Richey Renenberg.

Pro Am Winners: Adam Sklar and Gui Medeiros

Pro Am Runners up: Dave Eisenberg and Dylan Breen

Pro Am Rose Flight Winners (Rose Flight is the Non-advancing flight): Amy Kline and Josep Baro

About the John McEnroe Tennis Academy In September 2010, tennis legend John McEnroe and SPORTIME partnered to launch the John McEnroe Tennis Academy, in John’s hometown of New York City, at the SPORTIME Randall’s Island Tennis Center in Manhattan. SPORTIME Randall’s Island is SPORTIME’s flagship location, and the flagship location of the Academy. In September 2012, JMTA expanded to SPORTIME Lake Isle, an 8-court, state-of-the-art, year-round facility in lower Westchester, and to SPORTIME Syosset in central Long Island, an 11-court indoor facility that has long served as SPORTIME’s high performance training center on Long Island. In 2013, JMTA Summer Tennis Training was added in the Hamptons, at SPORTIME Amagansett, SPORTIME’s 34-court, seasonal, outdoor tennis facility in the Town of East Hampton. With the satellite locations, the JMTA brand is currently featured at 4 sites with a total of 77 tennis courts, serving approximately 1,500 players annually and, as of September 2023, will be featured at 5 sites with a total of 96 courts, serving more than 2,000 players annually. Learn more: www.sportimeny.com/jmta

Billie Jean King Honored At U.S. Open By Michelle Obama, Sara Bareilles

August 29, 2023 by Randy Walker Leave a Comment

Former First Lady Michelle Obama and Grammy Award winner Sara Bareilles helped kick off the 2023 US Open’s celebration of its 50th anniversary of equal prize money with a stirring tribute to tennis legend and cultural icon Billie Jean King on Monday night as the US Open set all-time night-session and day-night combined attendance records.

Before Bareilles delivered a poignant performance of her hit song, “Brave,” the former First Lady issued a moving dedication to King, the driving force behind bringing equal prize money to the US Open for the first time in 1973, saying:

“Let us all summon a fraction of the courage and tenacity of women like Billie Jean King and continue to fight for a better, more just and more equitable future for all of our children. So I want to congratulate the men and women of the US Open for raising the bar, not just for tennis, but for the entire world.”

The celebration capped a thrilling Opening Day and Night at the US Open that saw the tournament set several attendance records.

Monday’s total day-night combined attendance of 72,957 was a US Open record. Monday’s night-session attendance of 30,429 also set a US Open record for a single night session.

Michelle Obama and Billie Jean King at the 2023 U.S. Open (photo from the USTA)

Latine Tennis History To Be Celebrated At 2023 U.S. Open Highlighted By Ceremony On September 5

August 25, 2023 by Randy Walker Leave a Comment

During the 2023 US Open, the tournament will celebrate the impact of Latine culture on society, including recognizing the significant contributions of Hispanic and Latine players to the sport of tennis.

The newly formed Latin American Tennis Foundation (LATF) will take part in this celebration, which aims to honor the past, present and future of Latine representation in tennis and beyond. The centerpiece of the celebration will be the US Open Equity Talk: Latine Influence on American Pop Culture & Sports, a networking event and panel discussion taking place September 5th at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, the home of the US Open. The event will bring together influential Latine leaders across sports, business, and entertainment to engage in a dialogue about the community’s challenges, achievements, and aspirations. As part of the event, and in conjunction with the 2023 US Open’s celebration of the 50th anniversary of equal prize money, Rosie Casals will be recognized for her role in advocating for pay equality in 1973.

This year’s tournament will also bring to life a message of equity and inclusion for all US Open attendees through the US Open Equity Experience. This immersive display aims to educate, inspire and celebrate the continued evolution of tennis to become a more inclusive and equitable sport.

Through videos, images and inspiring examples of progress, the US Open Equity Experience features key milestones in US Open history, alongside profiles and quotes of tennis players who have been instrumental in driving change throughout the years. With the support of the LATF, the Equity Experience will feature the achievements made by legendary figures such as Pancho Gonzales, Pancho Segura, Rafael Osuna, Alex Olmedo, Gabriela Sabatini, Mary Joe Fernandez, Gigi Fernandez and others, ensuring that their legacies continue to inspire future generations.

Other events celebrating Latine culture during the tournament will include a performance by New York dance group Ballet Hispanico on the opening day of Fan Week on August 22, as well as Hispanic and Latine tennis legends and influencers participating in pre-match coin toss ceremonies on September 5th.

The LATF strives to be the leading voice for Hispanic and Latine tennis in the U.S. and Latin America, with the goal of bringing awareness to current players, honoring past legends, and igniting a movement of participation and access.

LATF founders include Rosie Casals, an icon of women’s professional tennis, and Dan and Greg Gonzales, descendants of the legendary Richard “Pancho” Gonzalez. The Honorary and Advisory Board Members of LATF comprise Billie Jean King, a former World No. 1 tennis player and advocate for gender and LGBTQ+ equality; WTA President Mickey Lawler, Dr. Alfredo Quiñones-Hinojosa, a renowned neurosurgeon; Dolores Huerta, a civil rights and labor leader; and Raul Humberto Yzaguirre, a civil rights activist and former president of the National Council of La Raza.

The US Open will also commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) and honor Rosie Casals for her pivotal role in its formation. As a member of “The Original Nine,” she played an important part in establishing the Virginia Slims circuit and advocating for pay equality.

“The LATF remains steadfast in its commitment to celebrating Latino icons within the game, with a special focus this year on Rafael Osuna and the 60th Anniversary of his historic 1963 US Open title victory. We are dedicated to driving meaningful change, promoting participation, access and inclusivity, while inspiring generations to come,” said Rosie Casals, co-founder of LATF.

For more information about the Latin American Tennis Foundation and its programs, please visit their
website at www.latinamericantennisfoundation.org.
Contact:
Name: Greg Gonzales
Phone: (623) 414- 1012
Email:info@latinamericantennisfoundation.org

Prudential Helps New Pro Ethan Quinn Plan For Retirement

August 25, 2023 by Randy Walker Leave a Comment

Prudential Financial, Inc. (NYSE: PRU) announced today that it is partnering with the next generation of tennis talent – 19-year-old NCAA champ from the University of Georgia Ethan Quinn – in a brand deal that showcases Ethan at a new stage in his life: Preparing for competition as he makes his professional debut and thinking about…retirement.

Ethan will utilize Prudential Stages for Retirement and Prudential’s team of financial advisors to let his money work for him as he builds his tennis career. Through the power of compound interest, the investment could be worth as much as $2.6 million – nearly the value of winning a tennis title championship– when he is eligible for retirement.

“Ethan understands that the training and hard work pays off in more than one way, and is partnering with Prudential to inspire others to seize the moments when life goes right to plan for a better financial future,” said Susan Somersille Johnson, Prudential’s Chief Marketing Officer. “No matter what happens throughout his professional career – Ethan will be ready. And Prudential will be there to support him.”

This is important, says Prudential Financial Advisor and former professional football player Delvin Joyce. By planning now, Ethan can face his financial future with the same confidence he brings to the court.

“Earning a lot of money when young can create a false sense of security,” Joyce said. “Professional athletes are typically well compensated but are not taught how to manage their wealth. Ethan understands this, and wants to encourage young players to consider their financial future as their career begins, not when it is ending.”

As part of the brand deal, Ethan will star in an ad directed by Reinaldo Marcus Green. The ad is the latest in Prudential’s ‘Now What?’ brand campaign and will premiere on national TV at the same time as the US Open Aug. 28-Sept. 10. It features a variety of inspiring moments: Ethan at center court of a large-scale stadium. Sitting on the sidelines. Walking down the tunnel. Preparing in the locker room. Near the end, he’s preparing for a serve, and hitting it across the net in what is now the exciting and defining moment of the rest of his life. The voice-over describes Ethan as an underdog, a long shot, a first timer. But it also describes him as ‘something that not too many people ever get to be. A professional.’

Green, a former college athlete who directed such iconic films as Monsters and Men, King Richard, and the upcoming Bob Marley: One Love, says his background in sports was one of the primary reasons he decided to sign on as director of the ad.

“I wish I understood the importance of saving my pennies when I was a young man starting out,” Green said. “Although I was raised to live in the moment, to be present, and that any day could be my last, I hope this ad inspires young people to save for the rainy and sunny days and create a plan for what’s to come.”

The brand deal with Ethan, which will also be supported by paid digital and social media, is in addition to a global campaign for Prudential’s global investment management division (PGIM) in partnership with Cam Norrie, the world’s #13 tennis player and the British #1. PGIM will be prominently featured on Cam’s shirt sleeve when he competes in the Australian Open, the French Open, the US Open and Wimbledon. Prudential and PGIM also will be featured on shirt sleeves for 40 matches at the US Open.

To learn more, please visit https://www.prudential.com/now-what

Ethan Quinn is a paid promoter and will be a customer of Prudential. For more information about his partnership, go to prudential.com/nowwhat.

About Prudential Financial

Prudential Financial, Inc. (NYSE: PRU), a global financial services leader and premier active global investment manager with approximately $1.4 trillion in assets under management as of June 30, 2023, has operations in the United States, Asia, Europe, and Latin America. Prudential’s diverse and talented employees help make lives better by creating financial opportunity for more people by expanding access to investing, insurance, and retirement security. Prudential’s iconic Rock symbol has stood for strength, stability, expertise, and innovation for nearly 150 years. For more information, please visit www.news.prudential.com.

Maestro Dobel Becomes U.S. Open’s “Official Tequila”

August 18, 2023 by Randy Walker Leave a Comment

The USTA announced that it has partnered with Maestro Dobel® Tequila to make the world’s first Cristalino the first “Official Tequila” of the US Open, beginning with the 2023 event.

Maestro Dobel Tequila’s partnership with the US Open further cements its position as a supporter of professional tennis in the United States, as Dobel also serves as the “Official Tequila” across key tournaments including the Miami Open, BNP Paribas Open and Western & Southern Open.

A champion of maestros in their respective crafts, Maestro Dobel has also partnered with players Taylor Fritz, Aryna Sabalenka and Dana Mathewson, the highest-ranked American wheelchair tennis player, to support the brand’s US Open debut.

“The US Open has a storied and rich history driven by passion for the sport of tennis and a commitment to excellence,” said Deanne Pownall, USTA Managing Director, Corporate Partnerships. “These attributes are shared with Maestro Dobel Tequila and we are excited to introduce this legacy brand to our fans on-site, and showcase the partnership to fans around the world.”

A cornerstone of the partnership is the placement of “Dobel Tequila” branding in on-court signage that will be visible to fans on-site and around the world. Fans attending the US Open will have the opportunity to experience the portfolio of Maestro Dobel’s smooth tequilas that will be available at concession stands, restaurants and private hospitality spaces.

“As an 11th generation tequila maker, I take great pride in the mastery and precision with which we craft our award-winning Maestro Dobel tequilas. Each year, we see that same passion and dedication on display in the competition at the US Open, so we are incredibly proud to announce Maestro Dobel – creator of the world’s first Cristalino – as the first ‘Official Tequila’ of this iconic tournament,” said Juan Dobel, Founder of Maestro Dobel Tequila. “As the number one ultra-premium tequila in Mexico and one of the fastest-growing globally, we are excited to share our range of extraordinary tequilas with tennis fans in New York, and continue the acceleration of the tequila category with an international audience.”

Maestro Dobel will be featured at a branded, full-service bar inside Arthur Ashe Stadium, and branded, mobile carts across the tournament grounds, which will offer smooth and refreshing tequila cocktails, including the Maestro Dobel Ace Paloma, poured in a co-branded souvenir cup.

Maestro Dobel will also participate in the “Flavors of the Open” ticketed food and beverage event on the evening of Thursday, August 24, and is supporting the annual USTA Foundation Gala on Monday, August 28.

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The USTA is the national governing body for the sport of tennis in the U.S. and the leader in promoting and developing the growth of tennis at every level — from local communities to the highest level of the professional game. A not-for-profit organization, it invests 100% of its proceeds in growing the game. It owns and operates the US Open, one of the highest-attended annual sporting events in the world, and launched the US Open Series, linking summer WTA and ATP World Tour tournaments to the US Open. In addition, it owns approximately 120 Pro Circuit events throughout the U.S. and selects the teams for the Davis Cup, Billie Jean King Cup, Olympic and Paralympic Games. The USTA’s philanthropic entity, the USTA Foundation, provides grants and scholarships in addition to supporting tennis and education programs nationwide to benefit under-resourced youth through the National Junior Tennis & Learning (NJTL) network. For more information about the USTA, go to USTA.com or follow the official accounts on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and TikTok.

About Maestro Dobel Tequila

Maestro Dobel® Tequila was born from 11 generations of tequila mastery in Jalisco, Mexico in 2003 and introduced to the American market in 2009. With deep respect for legacy, founded by 11th generation tequila maker Juan Dobel, Maestro Dobel is a modern expression of tequila, with a heritage and refined craft that spans over 250 years. Maestro Dobel is an innovator in the category – having introduced to the global market the first Cristalino tequila with Dobel Diamante, the first Smoked Tequila with Humito and the first Pechuga Tequila with Pavito – and has produced some of the finest and smoothest range of tequilas.

For more information, please visit www.maestrodobel.com or follow on Instagram and Facebook at @dobeltequila.

USTA, Tiffany & Co. To Continue US Open Partnership

August 15, 2023 by Randy Walker Leave a Comment

The USTA announced that it has signed a multi-year partnership renewal with Tiffany & Co. to continue to serve as the Official Trophy Partner of the US Open.

As it has for the past 37 years, Tiffany & Co. will craft trophies featured throughout the US Open, including the keepsake trophies for the men’s and women’s singles champions. The keepsake trophies are equal-sized replicas crafted for each champion to take home as a personal, permanent commemoration of their victories.

For the first time ever, Tiffany & Co. will oversee on-site, immediate hand-engraving of both the men’s and women’s singles keepsake trophies. Each singles champion will now be able to leave the US Open with their engraved, keepsake trophy in hand.

With the US Open celebrating its 50th anniversary of awarding equal prize money to men and women this year, Tiffany & Co. will further showcase its support of equality by crafting the special Lifetime Achievement and Leadership Awards to be presented to two pioneering women at the inaugural Champions of Equality Event on September 7, the night of the women’s semifinals.

Also, for the first time, Tiffany & Co. will host an immersive booth on the South Plaza throughout the duration of the US Open, highlighting its rich legacy in tennis and the shared history of Tiffany & Co. and the USTA. The activation will include wall displays of Tiffany Blue® tennis balls, as well as a Snap AR Mirror featuring two innovative AR Lens experiences for guests to interact with. The USTA men’s and women’s singles championship replica trophies will be on display. The US Open trophies are handcrafted each year at the Tiffany hollowware workshop in Cumberland, Rhode Island, and are a sophisticated tribute to the tournament and an illustrious symbol of Tiffany’s world-renowned craftsmanship

USTA, Mount Sinai Health System Renew Partnership

August 14, 2023 by Randy Walker Leave a Comment

The United States Tennis Association and Mount Sinai Health System announced that they have renewed and expanded their medical services, marketing and promotional partnership through 2026, extending Mount Sinai’s tenure as the Official Hospital of the US Open Tennis Championships and the exclusive health system and medical center for the event, a partnership that began in 2013.

Mount Sinai will continue to provide top-level health care to elite athletes during the US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center through a staff of renowned orthopedic surgeons, sports medicine and emergency medicine physicians, musculoskeletal radiologists, and other experts from the Mount Sinai Health System and Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai (Icahn Mount Sinai). Additionally, Mount Sinai has renewed its commitment as the Official Medical Services Provider for the U.S. Teams for the Billie Jean King Cup and Davis Cup events.

Alexis C. Colvin, MD, Professor of Orthopedics and Senior Associate Dean for Alumni Affairs at Icahn Mount Sinai, continues in her longstanding role as Chief Medical Officer of the US Open as well as U.S. Billie Jean King Cup Team Physician. Earlier this year, the USTA appointed Melissa D. Leber, MD, Director of Sports Medicine for the Emergency Department and Associate Professor of Orthopedics and Emergency Medicine at Icahn Mount Sinai, as the new Director of Player Medical Services of the US Open, marking the 2023 tournament as the first to feature an all-woman leadership team for its Player Medical Services staff.

James N. Gladstone, MD, Chief of Sports Medicine Service and Professor of Orthopedic Surgery at Icahn Mount Sinai, continues as the official U.S. Davis Cup Team Physician, in addition to serving as a trusted physician for the US Open.

“Mount Sinai has been an incredibly vital partner for more than 10 years, setting industry standards for player health care at the US Open,” said Stacey Allaster, US Open Tournament Director and Chief Executive, Professional Tennis, USTA. “Continuing this partnership strengthens our ability to deliver on our shared priorities. Together we provide best-in-class care and services for US Open players and our Billie Jean King and Davis Cup teams, and we spread the message that tennis is an ideal sport for health and longevity.”

“We are honored to bring our multidisciplinary team of medical experts together to provide outstanding comprehensive health care for all of the athletes for the 11th consecutive year,” said Dr. Colvin. “I am proud to serve alongside Dr. Leber in her new role. It speaks volumes about the importance of diversity and inclusion in professional sports to have two women leading medical care at an internationally recognized sporting event. Along with the entire medical team from Mount Sinai, we bring years of sports medicine expertise grounded in innovative research to the tournament.”

Throughout their decade of partnership, the USTA and Mount Sinai have placed the US Open at the forefront of medical services and health care at large-scale sporting events worldwide. For the last eight years, Mount Sinai has provided on-site diagnostic ultrasound and radiographic examinations for US Open players, along with a dedicated radiologist to help diagnose musculoskeletal injuries efficiently and consistently.

In addition to providing player medical services for the 2023 US Open, Mount Sinai will engage fans and families at an interactive booth onsite at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center throughout the tournament and Fan Week, at the Mount Sinai Children’s Sports Zone Court on Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day, via digital and social media, sweepstakes, giveaways, and photo experiences. Mount Sinai will also host two professional tennis players for special meet and greet appearances onsite, and will announce the talent, dates, and locations prior to both events. Mount Sinai will further showcase the health system’s commitment to diversity and inclusion through a vibrant new promotional campaign, “Serving All: Championing Advanced, Equitable Health Care”. For more information about Mount Sinai’s 2023 activities, please visit: https://www.mountsinai.org/usopen.

USTA Foundation Grants 49 High School Students Nearly $1 Million In College Scholarships

August 14, 2023 by Randy Walker Leave a Comment

The USTA Foundation, the charitable arm of the United States Tennis Association Incorporated (USTA), announced that it has granted 49 high school students a variety of college scholarships totaling $995,000.

Each year, the USTA Foundation awards scholarships to deserving youth who have participated in organized youth tennis programs such as the USTA Foundation’s National Junior Tennis and Learning (NJTL) network, have demonstrated high academic achievement and require financial assistance for college matriculation.

“These 49 deserving student-athletes embody the core values of the USTA Foundation,” said Kathleen Wu, USTA Foundation Board President. “We look forward to cheering them on during their college career and wherever life takes them.”

Below is a list of this year’s scholarships and awardees:

Marian Wood Baird Scholarship Award (student receives a $15,000 award)
Awarded to one high school senior who has excelled academically, demonstrated achievements in leadership and participated extensively in an organized community tennis program, the Marian Wood Baird Scholarship was created by the Baird family and named in honor of the late Marian Wood Baird, who had been recognized by the USTA for more than 40 years of volunteer service. The 2023 recipient is Jayna Dunwoody (XS Tennis Foundation).

Dwight F. Davis Memorial Scholarship (students each receive a $20,000 award)
The Dwight F. Davis Memorial Scholarship is granted to two high school seniors who have performed with distinction and have actively participated in extracurricular activities, community service and an organized tennis program. The award is named for Dwight Filley Davis, who began playing tennis at the age of 15 in 1894. In 1900, the year he graduated from college, Davis purchased a commemorative silver bowl as a prize for an international lawn tennis competition, marking the birth of the Davis Cup. Davis became president of the U.S. Lawn Tennis Association in 1923. His grandson, Dwight F. Davis III, created the scholarship to honor his grandfather’s achievements and contributions to tennis. The 2023 recipients are Gabrielle Henderson (MACH Academy) and Mohamed Shahabuddeen (15-Love/Capital Region).

Dwight Mosley Scholarship Award (students each receive a $20,000 award)
This scholarship was named in memory of Dwight A. Mosley, the first African American elected to the USTA Board of Directors. The Dwight Mosley Scholarship is available to high school seniors of ethnically diverse heritage who have excelled academically and participated extensively in an organized community tennis program. Applicants must demonstrate sportsmanship on and off the court. The 2023 recipients are Yasmin Fisher (James Lewis Tennis & Education) and Flex Howard (South Atlanta CTA).

Rosalind P. Walter Scholarship Award (students each receive a $20,000 award)
This scholarship is named in honor of the late Rosalind Palmer Walter, who was responsible for funding the first USTA Foundation scholarship in 1994, well before a comprehensive program was put in place. Mrs. Walter’s commitment to tennis and education didn’t stop with her service to the USTA Foundation Board. She served on the boards of the International Tennis Hall of Fame and Long Island University, and was a trustee of WNET Channel Thirteen and the Paley Center for Media. During World War II, Mrs. Walter was a riveter, where she worked the night shift on a Corsair, building the F4U marine gull-winged fighter airplane and is the inspiration for the 1942 song “Rosie the Riveter.” She took tremendous pride in knowing that the hard work, dedication and precision she put into her job helped save lives. The 2023 recipients are Angelei Kennedy (South Atlanta CTA) and Kaleem Muhammad (Washington Tennis & Education Foundation/Junior Tennis Champions Center).

Eve Kraft Education & College Scholarship (students each receive a $20,000 award)
The Eve Kraft Education & College Scholarship is bestowed upon two high school seniors who have excelled academically, meaningfully served their communities, played tennis in an organized program and reside in an economically-disadvantaged community. This scholarship is named in memory of Eve Kraft of Princeton, N.J., a tennis pioneer who introduced thousands of young people to tennis, particularly in disadvantaged areas. The 2023 recipients are Yunuen Padilla (Marty Hennessy) and Carter Watson (Tennis Rocks).

FILA’s Jonathan G. Epstein Spirit of Tennis Scholarship and Martin Mulligan Sr. Spirit of Tennis Scholarship (students each receive a $15,000 award)
The Spirit of Tennis Scholarships presented by FILA provide access and opportunity to students through the USTA Foundation’s NJTL network and were named in honor of two individuals who helped FILA establish its roots in tennis: former President of FILA North America Jonathan G. Epstein, and longtime Global Tennis Marketing Executive Martin Mulligan Sr. The Spirit of Tennis Scholarships are awarded on an annual basis to two high school seniors who have high academic achievements and demonstrate good character, community leadership and sportsmanship. Each scholarship recipient receives $15,000 over the course of four years to cover costs of tuition, school-based expenses, and educational materials. The 2023 recipients are Anthony Nguyen (Tenacity, Inc.) for the Jonathan G. Epstein Spirit of Tennis Scholarship and Imani Jean (Junior Tennis Champions Center) for the Martin Mulligan Sr. Spirit of Tennis Scholarship.

Novo Nordisk Donnelly Scholarship
(students each receive either a $10,000 award or a $5,000 award)
This scholarship is named in honor of Tracey Donnelly Maltby and Diane Donnelly Stone, who along with their father, Bud Donnelly, all played Division I collegiate tennis while affected by the challenges of Type 1 diabetes. These scholarships are awarded to students who answered an essay question and who are entering a four-year college or university program, intended to support the student’s cost of tuition, educational materials, and other related expenses at the college or university the student selects. Each national scholarship recipient will receive $10,000, and each regional scholarship recipient will receive $5,000, paid directly to the college or university in which the student is enrolled.

The 2023 national recipients are Chelsea B. (Naples, Fla.) and Deuce D. (San Antonio, Texas). Chelsea and Deuce will both meet & greet with tennis legend Billie Jean King at the 2023 US Open.

The 2023 regional recipients are: Anna B. (Enfield, Conn.), Shelby F. (Kalamazoo, Mich.), John “Jack” G. (Martin, Ga.), Spencer K. (Yukon, Okla.), Ella K. (Forty Fort, Pa.), Isabella L. (Batavia, Ill.), Gabriela M. (Miami), Ellizabeth M. (Syracuse, Utah), Kaylin S. (Toccoa, Ga.) and Lauren W. (Abingdon, Va.).

Nora McNeely Hurley Leadership Award
(students receive either a $20,000 award or a $40,000 award)
The Nora McNeely Hurley Leadership Award is bestowed upon high school seniors who have demonstrated exceptional leadership and tennis skills. The 2023 recipients are:

Donald Lawson Tisdel Scholarship
(students each receive either a $20,000 award or a $40,000 award)
The USTA Foundation annually awards the college education scholarship to high school seniors who have excelled academically, demonstrated community service and participated in an organized tennis program. In 2017, the USTA Foundation named its largest college scholarship fund the Donald Lawson Tisdel College Scholarship Fund. Tisdel was a passionate proponent for the sport and a staunch believer in the power of tennis and education to touch and enhance lives. These scholarships are awarded annually to high school seniors who have excelled academically, demonstrated community service and participated in an organized tennis program such as National Junior Tennis and Learning. This year’s Donald Lawson Tisdel Scholarship recipients are:

For more information on the USTA Foundation scholarships, please visit ustafoundation.com and follow @USTAFoundation on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

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USTA Foundation Incorporated (USTAF or USTA Foundation), the national charitable arm of the United States Tennis Association Incorporated (USTA), utilizes the powerful combination of tennis and education to enhance the lives of under-resourced youth through its support of the National Junior Tennis & Learning (NJTL) network. For more than 50 years, NJTL has impacted thousands of youth across the nation, and today the network features more than 270 chapters. The USTAF supports these chapters by providing financial grants, scholarship opportunities, curricula, technical assistance, and training. USTAF raises money and public awareness through private donations, corporate sponsorships, foundations, and fundraisers, including the US Open Opening Night Gala, and various Pro-Ams, to name just a few. To date, the USTA Foundation has awarded approximately $64 million in grants and scholarships. For more information on the USTA Foundation, visit www.ustafoundation.com, or stay connected through Facebook and Instagram (at @USTAFOUNDATION).

USTA, U.S. Davis Cup Captain Bob Bryan Announce 2023 U.S. Davis Cup Team

August 14, 2023 by Randy Walker Leave a Comment

The USTA and United States Davis Cup Captain Bob Bryan announced that Frances Tiafoe, Tommy Paul, Mackenzie McDonald, Austin Krajicek and Rajeev Ram will represent the U.S. in the 2023 Davis Cup Finals — Group Stage matches September 12-17 in Split, Croatia.

The Group Stage consists of four groups of four nations competing to advance to the eight-nation knockout stage that will crown this year’s Davis Cup champion November 21-26 in Malaga, Spain. The U.S. is competing in Group D in Split and will play Croatia, Finland and the Netherlands in a round-robin competition where the top two finishers in the Group advance to Malaga. Each matchup is a best-of-three tie featuring two singles and one doubles match. The dates and times of the Americans’ matches are below.

Tickets are available via the Davis Cup website. Apply for media credentials by clicking here, or emailing mediacredentials@daviscup.com.

Group D (Split):

All matches begin at 3 p.m. local time (9 a.m. ET)

United States vs. Croatia; Wednesday, September 13

United States vs. the Netherlands; Thursday, September 14

United States vs. Finland; Saturday, September 16

Tiafoe, 25, is ranked a career-high No. 10 in singles, having made his Top 10 debut earlier this summer. He’s been a part of the Davis Cup team since 2018 and has competed for the U.S. in the Finals each of the last two years.

Paul, 25, is ranked a career-high No. 13 in singles, having defeated world No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz last week en route to his first ATP Masters 1000 semifinal in Toronto. He’s played in seven Davis Cup ties for the U.S. since debuting in 2020 and has a 5-1 singles record.

McDonald, 28, is ranked a career-high No. 43 in singles. He made his Davis Cup debut with a singles victory in February’s Qualifying-round defeat of Uzbekistan in Tashkent.

Krajicek, 33, is ranked No. 3 in doubles and held the world No. 1 doubles ranking earlier this summer after winning his first Grand Slam title at the French Open. He made his Davis Cup debut in February’s Qualifying tie vs. Uzbekistan, where he and Ram clinched victory.

Ram, 39, is ranked No. 4 in doubles and is a former doubles world No. 1 himself. He’s played in six ties for the U.S., going 5-1 in doubles since debuting in 2021.

The U.S. holds an overall 225-77 record in Davis Cup competition and has won the title a record 32 times. For more information, including access to player and historical records, visit www.usta.com/daviscup or www.daviscup.com.

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