The USTA commemorated television powerhouse Shonda Rhimes with a Champions of Equality Award on Thursday at the 2024 US Open. At the ceremony, 16 USTA sections were also honored for their grassroots efforts towards promoting equitable representation in sports.
Award-winning television writer, producer and showrunner Rhimes is best known for creating strong, female-led storylines that defy stereotypes and break barriers. But on Day 11, the spotlight shone on Rhimes as the main character, receiving the second annual US Open Billie Jean King Champions of Equality Award.
The award honors trailblazers in gender equality, reflecting the USTA’s ongoing commitment to equitable representation and opportunity for women in sports and society. Before handing Rhimes her award, tennis icon Billie Jean King addressed the audience in Interview Room One of Arthur Ashe Stadium.
“Every one of us is an influencer,” King said. “Fight for equality every single moment. Not only for ourselves, but more importantly, for the future generations.”
Many of Rhimes’ goals align with those of King’s, who handed Rhimes her award on Thursday. In an interview before the ceremony, Rhimes praised King’s impact on sports and society.
“Getting to know [King] has taught me a lot about leadership, about believing in yourself, about knowing who you are,” Rhimes said. “To be given an award that's in honor of her name is truly stunning.”
Rhimes has done just that. Her trademark television shows, including Scandal and How to Get Away With Murder, have redefined how diversity is portrayed on television. Through her own production company, Shondaland, Rhimes is at the forefront of crafting stories centered on strong-willed, working women. These stories are familiar to many viewers—but often went untold.
“Every single person has a story,” said Rhimes, during a sit-down panel interview at the award ceremony. “And if you treat everybody like they have a story, you will find something in them.”
Rhimes was joined on stage by former US Open and five-time Grand Slam champion Maria Sharapova for a panel discussion hosted by Good Morning America co-anchor Robin Roberts. The trio discussed the intersection of sports and life, the myth of work-life balance, and challenges of motherhood.
When considering her career, Rhimes reflected on it with joy and expressed how she wanted to lead as an example for her kids.
“I’ve come to terms with the idea that I’m a happier person for doing my job,” Rhimes noted. “And I want my children to look up and see a woman that they know, who works, and is happy.”
Both 2023 and 2024’s Champions of Equality event also commemorated 16 women from various USTA sections, who were honored for their grassroots efforts in forging equity in tennis.
“It’s so inspiring to be in this room and see all of these women who are doing so much for the sport,” Rhimes said, addressing the 16 honorees. “In communities, we need people who are doing it at the grassroots. That’s probably more important work than me up here making television shows, in a lot of ways.”
But, Rhimes’ accomplishments can’t be ignored. She’s the first woman to create three television dramas that have reached the 100-episode milestone and has received numerous accolades for her work.
Last year’s recipient was seven-time Grand Slam singles champion and entrepreneur Venus Williams, who played a critical role in achieving pay equality at Wimbledon in 2007. Rhimes made sure to give Williams a shout-out.
“Venus Williams got this last year, so I’m going to feel really comfortable saying that Venus Williams and I are US Open champions,” Rhimes said with a laugh.
