American Tennis Association Launches the Black Tennis Experience
Jul 07, 2025
The American Tennis Association (ATA), the oldest Black sports organization in
the United States, is pleased to announce the launch of the Black Tennis Experience. This weeklong celebration will highlight the rich legacy and ongoing impact of Black athletes in tennis, with three signature events from July 27th to August 3rd in the Orlando, Florida area: the ATA National Championships, an Awards Gala, and a Celebrity Pro-Am Tournament.
Photo credit: The American Tennis Association (ATA)
Founded in 1916, the American Tennis Association (ATA) was once the sole platform for Black tennis players to compete nationally. The ATA now champions growth, inclusion, and excellence in the sport. Today, the organization boasts over 4,000 members and remains a vibrant community that spans generations and geographies.
“The ATA is often known for our National Championships, but we are more than a tournament. We are a family, a community rooted in inclusion, and a launching pad for generations of Black tennis players to grow, lead, and reach their highest potential,” says Robert V. Foster, President of the ATA. “The Black Tennis Experience is a powerful reflection of our history and a bold step toward our future. These events help highlight the power of tennis to promote education, health, and opportunity in under-served communities. We want every young person, especially Black and Brown youth, to see tennis as a place where they belong and where they can thrive.”
Photo credit: The American Tennis Association (ATA)
2025 Black Tennis Experience Events
The Black Tennis Experience is expected to generate close to $1 million in economic impact and attract national attention to the legacy and future of Black tennis in America. With a membership that spans key cities including Philadelphia, New York City, Boston, Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles, Charlotte, Washington D.C., and New Orleans., the ATA continues to empower the next generation of tennis leaders through competition, mentorship, and community. Throughout the week, we will join the global tennis community paying tribute to Althea Gibson on this 75th anniversary of her shattering the color barrier in tennis.
Photo credit: The American Tennis Association (ATA)
Celebrity Pro-Am Tournament
USTA National Campus, Orlando, FL, July 27, 2025 Kicking off the week of celebration, this exhibition event will pair celebrities, pro players, and ATA members for an exciting morning of tennis and community engagement. As of publication, confirmed Pro players include Donald Young, Jermaine Jenkins, Jarmere Jenkins, Chris Hill, and Jeri Ingram. Celebrity Players include SWV vocalist and rapper Tamara ‘Taj’ Johnson-George and actor Davinci.
Black Tennis Experience Awards Gala
A night honoring heroes of the sport and trailblazers advancing equity in tennis at Rice Pavilion at Rollins College, Winter Park, FL, July 27, 2025. Award recipients include:
Black Excellence in Tennis Awards: Jarmere Jenkins, Former Professional Tennis Player and Hitting Partner for Serena Williams, and, Jermaine Jenkins, Former Hitting Partner for Venus Williams and Coach of Naomi Osaka and Coco Gauff.
Breaking The Barriers Award: Stacey Allaster, USTA Chief Executive of Professional
Tennis, Former Chairman and CEO of the WTA Tour
Althea Gibson Outstanding Contributions to the Sport Award: Illona Young, Mother and Coach of Donald Young
Photo credit: The American Tennis Association (ATA)
ATA National Championships
The ATA’s premier tournament will take place at the USTA National Campus, Orlando, FL, July 28 – August 3, 2025 and welcome hundreds of players across age divisions, from 10 & under to 85+, including both recreational and elite competitors. Highlights include:
- Youth 10 & under through 18 & under
- Youth 18u winner earns college scholarship
- Adult Open, Age Group and NTRP (player ratings)
- Adult Open Winner earns wildcard into a $25,000 USTA Pro Circuit Event
To learn more, visit the The American Tennis Association (ATA).
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Source: The American Tennis Association (ATA). Top photo credit: The American Tennis Association (ATA)