A responsibility to speak up

Throughout Asian-American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, USTA.com will feature a series of first-person essays from prominent AAPI voices in the tennis world. This week, the series features thoughts from Vania King, who retired from the WTA Tour earlier this year. In addition to being a two-time Grand Slam champion in doubles, King was a member of the WTA Players' Council, worked closely with the WTA Charities program and also founded her own nonprofit organization, Serving Up Hope.

In her essay, King addresses her transition from a playing career to one as a tennis administrator as a newly-elected member of the USTA Board of Directors, how her personal experiences have influenced her and why she hopes to make a difference in the sport.

I am so proud to be Asian-American. I represent two groups that have a rich cultural heritage and traditions that have made me the person I am today. 

However, it wasn’t always that way.

When I was growing up, I struggled with my dual Asian-American identity. I tried being “American” and I tried being “Asian,” and however much as I tried, I never quite fit in.

I was too Asian for an American and too American for an Asian. 

I realize now of course, that I had no need to try to be one or the other. Having multiple cultures is the epitome of being an American. Our country was founded and sustained by immigrants. We all take pride in our cultural and ethnic heritage, which helps grounds us and gives us a sense of pride. We find commonality in our differences and share the vision of a prosperous and strong nation.

However, I am not always treated with open-mindedness. 

My mom used to tell me that the only way to “retaliate” against discrimination is to be successful, so I tried harder on court and prioritized getting a post-graduate degree. However, this was not retaliation, but just to be seen as equal. To be given the same opportunities, minorities must work harder and achieve more, while facing more challenges. 

I am lucky to have two cultures. I understand more about American and Taiwanese history, traditions, values and communication. It has helped me be more empathetic and allows me to share my experiences to help those that may be going through the same issues I had faced.

I also understand that many of the comments and reactions I face are not due to malice, but ignorance; however, this type of ignorance perpetuates harmful stereotypes. 

As a new USTA National Board member, one of my main priorities is diversity and inclusion. I know the USTA has really put D&I at the forefront of its priorities, with the hire of a new Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer, Marisa Grimes, and an understanding across the national organization and sections how important it is for us to communicate and action our values and beliefs in this space.

I hope to use my position with the USTA and all the other work that I do to help move the needle in the right direction and continue to use my voice in addressing the need for equality.