Jaime Oppenlander to receive "Champion of Equality" award at 2025 US Open

Chairwoman of the USTA Midwest Adaptive Committee, Jaime Oppenlander, will be honored as a "Champion of Equality" at the 2025 US Open for her empowerment of athletes with disabilities across the country.

For more than a decade, Oppenlander has volunteered with USTA at the national, section and foundation levels to advance the game of tennis for adaptive athletes, focusing on "advocacy, coaches trainings and community connection."

The 2025 Champions of Equality will be named at the US Open on Thursday, Sept. 4, coinciding with the women's semifinal matches.

The award ceremony launched in 2023 alongside the celebration of the US Open's 50th anniversary of equal prize money. Last year's event recognized award-winning television writer, producer and showrunner Shonda Rhimes with the second annual US Open Billie Jean King Champion of Equality award. The USTA recently announced that the 2025 US Open will offer the largest purse in tennis history, awarding $90 million in total player compensation, representing a 20% increase from last year's tournament.

Jaime Oppenlander holds a master's degree in adaptive physical education and a bachelor's degree in psychology/special education. "Whether in classrooms, on tennis courts or through respite care, I have always believed that every individual deserves access to life's treasures: learning, laughter, relationships and meaningful movement."

Through her work with USTA Midwest, Oppenlander has organized community events, such as the Para Standing All Comers Camp, now an annual event that was once a first of its kind, and she has introduced countless new players and coaches to adaptive tennis.

Adaptive tennis can include modifications to the sport via equipment, environment and/or rules to ensure that people of all ages, social, intellectual or physical abilities can enjoy the game and experience the benefits of playing tennis.

USTA Midwest is extremely proud of Jaime Oppenlander for her achievements as she pushes for equality in tennis and society. 

Last year Susan Klumpner, the Executive Director of The ACE Project, received the 2024 Champion of Equality award among other trailblazers and leaders who represent the USTA's 17 sections across the country.