The United States Tennis Association (USTA) has recently celebrated the completion of the refurbishment of tennis courts at Pompey Park in Delray Beach as part of the US Open Legacy Initiative. This initiative, established to honour Coco Gauff’s 2023 US Open women’s singles title, has pledged $3 million to refurbish tennis courts across the country.
Coco Gauff, a native of Delray Beach, has strong connections to the park and the surrounding community. She grew up playing on the Pompey Park courts as a child, and her family has deep roots in the area. Gauff expressed her appreciation to the USTA for investing in public parks and youth, emphasizing the importance of making tennis more accessible.
” 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,” said Gauff during the unveiling event. “Investing in public parks and our youth is very important. I had a huge dream and this city, my family, my community supported that, and now I’m in the position to help maybe spark that dream in another kid.”
The US Open Legacy Initiative is part of the USTA’s ongoing efforts to support tennis infrastructure through facility enhancements and construction. Since 2005, the USTA has awarded over $17 million in grants, impacting more than 43,000 tennis courts and over $610 million of infrastructure development. In addition to specific projects selected by Gauff, the initiative will support any project involving court resurfacing at a public facility that meets the grant criteria.
The USTA, which serves as the national governing body for the sport of tennis in the U.S., is dedicated to promoting and developing the growth of tennis at every level. It invests all of its proceeds in growing the game and owns and operates the US Open, one of the highest-attended annual sporting events in the world. Moreover, the USTA Foundation, the organization’s philanthropic entity, provides grants and scholarships while supporting tennis and education programs nationwide.
The completion of the refurbished tennis courts at Pompey Park has not only revitalized the facilities but also strengthened the bond between Coco Gauff and her hometown. Her remarkable talent, determination, and sportsmanship have captured the hearts of tennis enthusiasts worldwide, and her dedication to giving back to the community serves as an inspiration to many. Coco Gauff’s impact extends beyond the tennis court, and her commitment to making the sport more accessible will undoubtedly leave a lasting legacy. As the USTA continues its mission to support tennis infrastructure, the refurbished courts at Pompey Park stand as a testament to the power of sports in bringing communities together.