Katrina Adams: A Champion for the Game
Jun 18, 2025
In a comprehensive interview on the Florida Tennis Podcast (see video at bottom), Katrina Adams—former professional tennis player and two-term President of the USTA—reflected on her remarkable journey detailed in her inspirational book Own the Arena: Getting Ahead, Making a Difference, and Succeeding as the Only One. From her roots as a junior player in Chicago to becoming a standout at Northwestern and then a WTA professional, Adams recounted her success in doubles, including victories over legends Martina Navratilova and Pam Shriver, and her memorable match against Hall of Famer Chrissie Evert at Wimbledon.
Photo Credit: West Point - The U.S. Military Academy CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 via Flickr
Adams highlighted her historic post-tennis achievements, becoming the first African American, first former professional player, and youngest person to serve as USTA President. During her tenure, she oversaw the $800 million renovation of the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, which included retractable roofs on Arthur Ashe and Louis Armstrong Stadiums. Alongside Billie Jean King, she championed the installation of a statue honoring trailblazer Althea Gibson.
Photo Credit: Art Seitz
She also presided over the 2018 U.S. Open Women’s Final trophy ceremony following Naomi Osaka’s win over Serena Williams—a match marked by high-profile controversy, which Adams helped navigate with poise. A longtime broadcaster for Tennis Channel since its inception, Adams is also a coach and motivational speaker. In 2023, she was honored with the IOC’s Gender Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Champions Award. Currently, she serves as President and Executive Director of the Harlem Junior Tennis and Education Program (an NJTL chapter), where she continues her mission to uplift under-resourced youth through tennis and education.
Exclusive Interview
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Written by Florida Tennis Podcast Host Adam Ross. Video edited by Assistant Editor Alex Binstok. Florida Tennis Podcast is hosted by Adam Ross and can be found on the Florida Tennis YouTube channel and Bleacher Brothers Network. Top Photo Credit: Art Seitz.