Jamel Madison’s Impact on Dallas Tennis

Now based in Dallas, Madison works with players across all levels, from beginners to advanced competitors. He credits his collaborative style and willingness to learn from other coaches as what sets him apart in the city’s growing tennis community.

“Tennis in Dallas is booming right now,” he said, praising the work of the Dallas Tennis Association, Fort Worth Tennis Association, and community organizations across Texas. Still, he sees accessibility as the sport’s biggest challenge. “Tennis is for everyone, and cost shouldn’t be the barrier that keeps people off the court.”

That community-first mindset is what led to his recognition at the US Open. Madison was nominated for the Presidential Impact Award by former USTA Texas Diversity Equity & Inclusion Director Erica Nelson-Flowers. For him, the honor belongs as much to his community as it does to him personally.

“Our players and supporters are the reason we’ve been able to make such an impact,” Madison said. “This award is a reflection of their energy and passion.”

For him, sharing the experience with his family was equally meaningful. He brought his mother, Judy, to New York as a way of fulfilling a dream she once shared with his late father, Bobby Madison Sr.

“When I got the news, the first thing I did was call my mom,” Madison said. “She and my dad always dreamed of attending all the majors together. His life was cut short, but being able to take her to the US Open made the experience unforgettable.”

Madison described his first trip to New York as energizing, from meeting people across the tennis world to experiencing the US Open’s hospitality and atmosphere. “The staff, from the bus drivers to the line attendants, made it special,” he said. “I’ll always cherish that week.”

Looking ahead, Madison remains focused on growing the game in Dallas and beyond by keeping kids engaged, making tennis more accessible, and using coaching as a vehicle for confidence and connection.

“Every time I step on the court, I remind myself I’m not just teaching tennis,” he said. “I’m setting an example, building confidence, and showing players what it means to love the game and the community around it.”

Madison hopes to build on that mission in the years ahead, with plans to one day open a covered facility that will serve the Dallas community.