Coco Gauff, Billie Jean King give youth unforgettable 2024 US Open experience

The flagship program of the national philanthropic arm of the USTA, NJTL provides free or low-cost tennis and education opportunities to over 150,000 under-resourced youth annually—and this event served, so to speak, as a prime example. Gauff and King paired up with the kids for a mixed doubles, round-robin-style play. Jitters and excitement flooded the court, as the children returned underhand serves from their heroes.

Not every day does someone rally with Grand Slam champions, but now, these 10 young players can say they have.

“This is a life-changing experience for the youth that came from the greater New York metro area,” said Robert Howland, senior director of programs for the USTA Foundation, as the event concluded. “I guarantee you that every single youngster that was on the court will remember the day for the rest of their lives.”

Howland appears to be right. NJTL players Amanda Marcano James and Annabelle Roca—11 and 12 years old, respectively—were all smiles after sharing the court with Gauff and King.

At 11 and 12 years old, respectively, James and Roca already freely discussed their passion for the sport and their gratitude to NJTL for making these opportunities possible.

“You’re able to play with players you wouldn’t get to play with,” Roca said. “I’ll remember this when I’m years old.”

The 2024 US Open’s theme, “celebrating the power of tennis,” permeated through the afternoon. After watching the event from the sidelines, USTA Foundation Chief Executive Officer Ginny Ehrlich referenced one of King’s most iconic phrases: “You need to see it to be it.”

“The power of tennis for these young people is that they are ‘seeing it’ when they are on the court with Coco and Billie Jean,” Ehrlich said.

But it also extends beyond the court.