Aryna Sabalenka chased Elena Rybakina for three sets, before winning a photo-finish tiebreaker in Madrid

Established in 1992, MACH (Mentoring, Academics, Computers & Healthy Recreation) is a community-based recreational and education program for children in Georgia and South Carolina designed for those who live in assisted or low-income housing communities and are at risk for academic failure.

MACH Academy provides tennis instruction through after-school clinics, spring break and summer camps, USTA-sanctioned tournaments, QuickStart tennis clinics, free tennis clinics, special match days with clubs, Family Nights and personal skills development sessions. Tennis is played on 11 outdoor tennis courts at the Fleming Tennis Center in Augusta, GA, and three courts at the Smith-Hazel Community Center in Aiken, SC. MACH Academy uses tennis to help children, particularly those growing up in the inner city, to fully develop themselves in body, mind and spirit.

!The word “hero” is defined as a person who is idealized for courage, outstanding achievements or noble qualities. To see more examples of heroism, and compelling evidence that this sport suffers no shortage of such individuals, click here.