“Madison is an incredible champion and a true role model for so many young players,” said Brian Vahaly, chairman of the board and president, interim co-CEO of USTA. “Honoring her Australian Open victory by giving back to the community where her journey began feels special. These courts will give young players across the region a place to play, compete and dream, serving as a lasting reminder of Madison’s journey and the best of what our sport represents.”
Today’s event, attended by Rock Island leaders and USTA representatives, included a court dedication and a youth tennis clinic led by the Quad Cities Tennis Club. The event also included a pre-recorded video message from Keys, who was represented at the event by her mother, Christine, a Rock Island resident who currently chairs Keys’ Kindness Wins Foundation. The foundation provided giveaways, including signed photos of Keys with her Australian Open trophy.
“It means a lot to me to be able to make a lasting impact in my hometown tennis community, especially after the momentous year I’ve had. I’m so grateful that the USTA has chosen to do this in my honor,” said Keys. “Providing young people with access to sports is one of my top goals for Kindness Wins, so I’m excited that tennis players in the Quad Cities will have access to truly great tennis courts to grow the sport at all levels.”
“We are incredibly proud to see Madison’s success come full circle,” said John Gripp, Director of Parks and Recreation, City of Rock Island. “Her journey began right here on Rock Island and this investment will ensure the next generation of players will have the same opportunities to play.”
“We are so proud of Madison’s achievements on the field, but we are especially proud of her continued commitment to the community and encouraging accessibility and play for all,” added Mary Buschmann, CEO and Executive Director of USTA Missouri Valley.
The Rock Island project joins a growing list of USTA initiatives aimed at improving tennis infrastructure across the country, which is a key pillar of the USTA’s efforts to grow broad-based tennis participation to 35 million players by 2035. The USTA previously announced the US Open Legacy Initiative, launched in honor of Coco Gauff’s victory at the 2023 US Open, which will include the renovation of tennis courts in Gauff’s hometown of Delray Beach, Florida.while so does the USTA has pledged another $10 million earlier this year to fund grants to support rural infrastructure projects.
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