NEW YORK (Reuters) -The USTA and American Tennis Association announced a new initiative to expand diversity in tennis on Monday, with a focus on increasing Black representation in the sport.
Tennis has faced criticism for its overwhelmingly white professional ranks, with only two Black men – Arthur Ashe and Yannick Noah – ever hoisting a major trophy, as top Black players face harassment even at the sport’s top level.
“We are proud to formalize our relationship with the ATA, which has a rich and storied history of breaking down barriers and transforming tennis into a sport that is more diverse and inclusive,” the USTA’s chief diversity, equity and inclusion officer, Marisa Grimes, said in a statement.
The ATA was founded in 1916 after the USTA’s predecessor, the United States Lawn Tennis Association, barred Black players from competing against white players in organized tournaments.
The partnership coincides with the 75th anniversary of Althea Gibson breaking the color barrier when in 1950 she became the first Black tennis player to compete in the U.S. National Championship, which would later become the U.S. Open.
“This is also the 50th anniversary of Arthur Ashe being the first and only African American male to win the Wimbledon men’s singles championship. As great as these achievements were, I am reminded of Althea saying, ‘No matter what accomplishments you make, somebody helped you,'” ATA President Robert Foster said.
“This collaboration with the USTA helps us to increase awareness of the ATA, grow our brand, and help increase the tennis community footprint.”
The initiative will include a mentorship program for developing diverse tennis professionals and coaches, from the junior level and up.
The tennis organizations’ moves come as DEI efforts have been under attack by U.S. President Donald Trump, who has issued a slew of executive orders aimed at dismantling such programs across the federal government and the private sector. Trump and his allies say DEI unfairly discriminates against other Americans, including white people and men, and weakens the importance of merit in job hiring or promotion.
Supporters of DEI initiatives say these programs are needed to undo decades of injustices against marginalized groups in the United States.
(Reporting by Amy Tennery in New York; Editing by Matthew Lewis)
