Chris Evert will be honored on opening night of the 2023 US Open as the recipient of the USTA Foundation's Serving Up Dreams Award.
Awarded annually in all but one year since 2015, the Serving Up Dreams Award is presented to those who embody the values of dedicated service to help advance the USTA Foundation's mission and the National Junior Tennis & Learning (NJTL) network.
Chairperson of the USTA Foundation since 2019, the 18-time Grand Slam singles champion also serves as its spokesperson, advancing its mission and increasing the impact of its national outreach efforts to under-resourced youth. In her tenure, she's overseen two of the USTA Foundation's signature fundraising campaigns: Rally to Rebuild, an emergency fund that raised more than $5 million in support of NJTLs during the COVID-19 pandemic; and Rally for the Future, the most ambitious campaign in the three-decade history of the USTA Foundation. It has raised more than $20 million in its first two years.
Evert first collaborated with the USTA Foundation in 2016 to establish the Jimmy Evert Fund, in honor of her late father, which supports scholarships for NJTL student-athletes across the country. NJTL is the flagship in- and after-school tennis and education program of the USTA Foundation, which supports the athletic and academic endeavors of more than 130,000 youth across the United States through its more than 270 chapters.
“The USTA Foundation is near and dear to my heart,” Evert said. “I grew up and developed my game in the public park system where my dad taught, and I know the profound impact tennis can have on a young person’s life. It’s so rewarding to be able to help give back and provide future generations the opportunity to learn and grow through tennis just as I did.
"I am grateful to the USTA Foundation for this amazing honor and I look forward to continuing to work together to help young people realize their fullest potential."
USTA Foundation president Kathleen Wu hailed the International Tennis Hall of Famer as "the true embodiment" of the organization's spirit, and it an "utmost honor" to present her with the award.
"She's not just a legend on the court; she's a force of nature in changing lives," Wu added. "With her unwavering support, we've ignited a spark of hope in tens of thousands of kids nationwide, empowering them to dream bigger and excel in both tennis and academics. Her passion and dedication fuel the heart of our mission, and we can't thank her enough for the immeasurable impact she's made."
Evert will receive her award at the USTA Foundation's Opening Night Gala, one of its signature philanthropic events that supports its work throughout the year. Last year, the gala raised a record-breaking $3 million.
For more about the USTA Foundation, visit ustafoundation.com.
