She’s working on a large push to get Hispanics involved in the sport: “It is the fastest-growing population in America, and we need to make sure that tennis looks like America,” she says. It has a hand in every level, from grass-roots to the pros.” Under Adams’ watch, the USTA’s most important mission is making tennis available to more and all communities. “In some ways, it is both the NBA and USA Basketball or the NHL and USA Hockey. “The USTA is the central hub for all levels of tennis,” says Gary Belsky, former editor-in-chief of ESPN The Magazine. “So I carry that attitude throughout my life and everything I have done and what I do.”Īdams is responsible for setting directions and policies for American tennis. Outside of the majors season, she continues her work in White Plains, where she lives in an apartment 10 minutes from USTA headquarters. These days, at tournaments, Adams hosts receptions to encourage junior players to keep up with the game and represent the United States well, and she exchanges tips with international leaders in players’ boxes about how to widen the reach of the sport. She’s not just the youngest person and the first African American to hold the title: She’s also the first former pro player, and it’s her job to make sure the sport she loves flourishes in America. Now she attends in a different capacity: as the head of the United States Tennis Association. (Adams idolized Evert and played with an Evert racket.) Adams lost that match, but she made it to the exclusive fourth round of the tournament a year later. 1 female player during the late ’70s and early ’80s, and realizing she was winning. Her first and favorite memory as a professional player was looking at the scoreboard at Wimbledon in 1987 while playing Chris Evert, the world’s No. For 12 years, she attended as a professional player, battling tennis goddesses like Martina Hingis. “I’m with my people… I’m in my world!”įor 47-year-old Adams, there is no better place to be than a tennis Grand Slam tournament. All rights reserved.“I’m in my haven!” exclaimed Katrina Adams, calling from Paris during the first week of the 2015 French Open. Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and Safety Information / Your California Privacy Rights are applicable to you. ^ Back to Top ^ © 2023 ESPN Internet Ventures. WTT, co-founded by King, enters its 42nd season. John Isner, Eugenie Bouchard and Mardy Fish were acquired in the marquee draft last month. The Empire pick first in the roster draft March 14. They were at the West Side Tennis Club in their debut season. The Empire will play at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center this summer. The Puerto Rican star won two Olympic gold medals in doubles for the U.S. 2.įernandez won 17 Grand Slam doubles titles from 1983 to 1997. Fernandez is the only female coach in the six-team league, whose season runs from July 16 to Aug. The league said Thursday she is succeeding Patrick McEnroe. NEW YORK - Hall of Famer Gigi Fernandez has been hired as coach of the New York Empire of World TeamTennis. Gigi Fernandez to coach New York Empire of World TeamTennis You have reached a degraded version of because you're using an unsupported version of Internet Explorer.įor a complete experience, please upgrade or use a supported browser
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |