The current US Open champion, Coco Gauff, has received widespread acclaim for her significant contributions to the world of tennis, both on and off the court. This recognition was bestowed upon her as part of the Tennis Black List 2024, where Gauff was honoured with the prestigious Player Award in recognition of her outstanding accomplishments within the sport.
The Tennis Black List Awards, which honors role models from the black and mixed black heritage community in the realm of tennis, including players, volunteers, and their continuous efforts, was established by Anne-Marie Batson and Richard Sackey-Addo. The event, held on 27th June 2024, marked the second year of the Tennis Black List and received support from the LTA, Barclays, and YC Sports.
The timing of the awards, just before The Championships at Wimbledon, served as a means to acknowledge the tireless efforts of individuals and organizations involved in the sport, from grassroots level all the way up to the professional game in Britain and internationally.
Taking inspiration from the success of the Football Black List and the Rugby Black List, the Tennis Black List aims to spotlight and celebrate black excellence in sport, providing inspiration for the upcoming generation within the tennis community. Several recipients were in attendance at the National Tennis Centre to accept their awards across eight different categories.
Coco Gauff’s rise in the world of tennis has been truly remarkable. She broke into the Top 50 in 2020 and has continued to climb through the ranks, achieving a Top 10 debut in 2022. Her career reached a milestone when she made her maiden Grand Slam final at Roland-Garros, becoming the youngest major finalist since Maria Sharapova at Wimbledon in 2004.
The organizers of the Tennis Black List, Anne-Marie Batson and Richard Sackey-Addo, expressed their delight in being able to acknowledge the exceptional achievements of the black and mixed-black heritage communities, both on and off the court. LTA Chief Executive, Scott Lloyd, also conveyed his admiration for the winners, emphasizing the importance of celebrating the success of role models, as it serves to inspire and encourage more people to participate in the sport.
The values of diversity, inclusivity, and excellence in tennis were prominently displayed at the 2024 Tennis Black List Awards, as the accomplishments of individuals and organizations within the black and mixed-black heritage communities were appropriately celebrated. The event served as a source of inspiration and a reminder of the positive impact that the representation of black excellence can have on the world of sport.