For nearly a decade, the nonprofit organization ACEing Autism has hosted tennis clinics at the US Open, showcasing the ways in which tennis can be adapted and modified for players with autism spectrum disorders. But in 2024, as America's Grand Slam celebrates the sport's power, the countless ways in which it has the ability to enhance lives and open doors of opportunity, this annual gathering took on a whole new meaning.
ACEing Autism is a nonprofit organization founded in 2008 by Richard Spurling and wife Dr. Shafali Jeste in Boston as a family-run organization that began with 15 children, and now boasts more than 150 locations in more than 30 states than have reached more than 6,000 players. While only a fraction of those could fit in the friendly confines of Courts 13 through 16 at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, the energy was still palpable as dozens of players and volunteers gathered on the eve of the US Open to participate in drills, mini games and other activities.
"For our organization to meet here ... at the US Open, it's one of our best days of the year," Spurling said.
In the nearly two decades since its founding, ACEing Autism has helped to change the lives of 6,000 individuals through tennis, and improve their language skills, motor skills and social skills. It is one of the most prolific providers among hundreds of tennis programs around the U.S. that cater specifically to, and tailor the sport for, players with physical, and cognitive and developmental, disabilities, and Spurling says that this is the result of a vast and passionate network of volunteers, some as young as 12 and 13, that he describes as the organization's "backbone."
One of these integral pieces to the organization's success is 21-time Grand Slam doubles champion and International Tennis Hall of Famer Pam Shriver, who was on hand for Sunday's clinic and says she has hosted some small clinics on her home court in Los Angeles, participated in previous US Open clinics, and visited tennis clubs that host ACEing Autism events over the years.
"To see how the kids and young adults who have neurodiversity connect with the sport of tennis, it's all special," Shriver said.
This year's clinic closed out a schedule of adaptive tennis-centered events on the US Open grounds during US Open Fan Week, which also included a blind and visually-impaired tennis demonstration and an inclusive court of activities on Arthur Ashe Kids' Day, where wheelchair users and able-bodied youngsters played alongside each other in an inspiring scene.
How's that for the power of tennis?
"Being here in New York, which is such a melting pot of different cultures and backgrounds and experiences, we want to see that reflected at the US Open," USTA Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer Marisa Grimes said. "We want to make sure people realize and understand that tennis is open for everyone, every age, every ability ... that anyone can play tennis, and we're thrilled to be able to bring this onto the Open's world stage."
