DELRAY BEACH, March 20, 2024 (USTA Press Release)
The United States Tennis Association (USTA) yesterday joined with City of Delray Beach leaders and 2023 US Open women’s singles champion Coco Gauff to unveil refurbished tennis courts at Delray Beach’s Pompey Park.
The Pompey Park courts are the first major project completed as part of the US Open Legacy Initiative, which was created in celebration of Gauff’s 2023 US Open women’s singles title. As part of the initiative, the USTA has pledged $3 million to refurbish tennis courts across the country.
Gauff, a Delray Beach native, grew up playing on the Pompey Park courts as a child and her family’s ties to the park and the surrounding community span generations.
“All of us involved in tennis are aware of our sport’s life-enhancing benefits, and we are committed to protecting courts and partnering with others to spur new facility development which will ensure more access for more people in more communities,” said Dr. Brian Hainline, Chairman of the Board and President, USTA. “The US Open is the economic driver that allows us to invest in tennis’ grass roots, so linking the US Open with this powerful and impactful initiative is an altogether fitting way to complete the circle for the good of the game.”
“I strongly believe that tennis can continue to become a more accessible sport, and I would like to thank the USTA for continuing to commit to do so,” said Gauff at yesterday’s event. “Investing in public parks and our youth is very important. I had a huge dream and this city, my family, my community supported that, and now I’m in the position to help maybe spark that dream in another kid.”
“Coco Gauff is a true Delray Beach success story,” added City of Delray Beach Mayor Shelly Petrolia. “Coco has captured the hearts of tennis enthusiasts worldwide with her remarkable talent, determination, and sportsmanship, and we here at home could not be more proud.”
The US Open Legacy Initiative is part of the USTA’s overall efforts to support tennis infrastructure through facility enhancements and construction, which is led by the USTA’s Tennis Venue Services (TVS) department. Since 2005, the USTA has awarded more than $17 million in TVS grants, impacting more than 43,000 tennis courts and more than $610 million of infrastructure development.
In addition to specific projects selected by Gauff, such as Pompey Park, the US Open Legacy Initiative will support any project that involves resurfacing courts at a public facility that meets the TVS grant criteria. Completed projects will receive a sign commemorating that the courts were refurbished in honor of Gauff’s US Open victory.
