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Coco Gauff Inspires New Orleans Youth at Reopened Tennis Courts
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A revitalized public tennis facility in New Orleans East stands as a testament to the impact of Grand Slam champion Coco Gauff, as the two-time major winner surprised young players Monday at the courts refurbished in her honour. The project marks the culmination of the U.S. Open Legacy Initiative, a nationwide effort to expand access to tennis.
The refurbishment of the 10 courts at Joe Brown Park was initiated earlier this year following Gauff’s historic 2023 U.S. Open women’s singles title. The U.S. Tennis Association (USTA) committed $3 million – matching Gauff’s prize money – to upgrade public tennis facilities across the country, and the New Orleans project was specifically chosen due to the Gauff family’s deep connection to the city.
“New Orleans has a super close place in my heart and to be able to be back here is really cool,” Gauff said.”To be able to do this initiative with the USTA is amazing.”
A National Initiative Reaches Completion
The U.S. Open Legacy Initiative has impacted over 100 facilities nationwide, funding improvements to more than 700 tennis courts. According to a statement from the USTA, the initiative aimed to connect the highest levels of the sport with local communities. “By refurbishing the public courts at Joe W. Brown Park, we are expanding access to the game and giving more players a better place to play,” said Brian Vahaly, Chairman of the Board and Interim Co-CEO, USTA. “We are grateful to partner with New Orleans on this project and proud to support a facility that will benefit the community for years to come.”
Local Impact and Community Party
Monday’s event featured a tennis clinic led by A’s and Aces, a local non-profit organization that provides tennis programs and events at Joe W. Brown Park. A’s & Aces is affiliated with the USTA Foundation’s National Junior Tennis & Learning network, which supports over 270 organizations offering affordable tennis and life-skills programming to underserved youth.
“It was an amazing day to have someone like Coco come to our community and to our courts, which were redone with USTA funding, in her name and to honor her US Open win,” said Anna Monhartova, Co-Founder of A’s & Aces. “It was just exciting to see all the children, all of the families, and the community come together through our partnership with the city and the USTA. It is just something that will be memorable for everyone for the rest of their lives.”
Larry Barabino, Jr., CEO of the NORD Commission, emphasized the transformative potential of the renovated courts for New Orleans East. “Seeing Coco Gauff on these courts is a powerful moment for New Orleans East,” Barabino stated. “This community is full of potential and talent. These renovated courts give our youth a space to play, grow, and be inspired, showing them that their hard work and dreams can lead to real success, and that champions can rise from neighborhoods just like theirs.”
Each facility benefiting from the U.S. Open Legacy Initiative will receive a plaque recognizing the refurbishment in honor of Gauff’s 2023 U.S.
