Arthur Ashe Kids' Day brings adaptive tennis to fans at the 2024 US Open

“What we want to do is tell them that there is a place for everyone—especially in tennis,” said Justin Belisario, MD, director of program operations at ACEing Autism. As a member of the United States Tennis Association's National Adaptive Tennis Committee, Belisario was thrilled to see this year’s attendance, as entry lines wrapped around the court.

About halfway through the event, Belisario said he had already seen a number of children with autism and physical challenges participating in the stations. That hits close to home for Belisario, who watched his cousin with autism grow up without many opportunities for recreational activities. It seemed like many team sports couldn’t find a place to integrate differently-abled children, he explained.

Tennis, however, allows for an individualized experience while still having social interaction—both of which children with cognitive disabilities need, he added.

Another station swapped the net for barrier tape. “The tape allows for players with mobility issues, or who aren’t used to rallying, to instead pass [the ball] underneath the net,” said Evan Enquist, the national manager of wheelchair tennis for the USTA.

If players have challenges gripping the racket, this station also allows them to kick, toss or roll the ball to the other side. “It’s about adapting the drills so everyone participates, everyone's engaged,” Enquist said.

And that they were. Kids squealed, laughed and cheered as they made contact with the ball, working with coaches to try different techniques. One of the event’s coaches, Rebecca Falkner Axelrod, loved seeing all of the kids’ smiles.

Axelrod enjoyed seeing children of all abilities engage with tennis. However, her experience extends beyond professional.