Laver Cup transforms public tennis courts in San Francisco

While the Laver Cup puts the present stars of professional tennis on center stage every year, this year's event is San Francisco began with a strong commitment to the next generation.

Together with the USTA Foundation and Mercedes-Benz, the tournament helped transform six tennis courts at John McLaren Park, the third-largest public park in the San Francisco area, which were unveiled officially on Tuesday. The park is also one of five venues that the grassroots tennis program Youth Tennis Advantage calls home.

Last year, YTA served up no-cost tennis, education and mentorship to more than 800 local young people as one of more than 300 USTA Foundation-affiliated National Junior Tennis and Learning chapters nationwide that use tenis as a tool to prepare young people from under-resourced communities for their futures.

The organization, as well as East Palo Alto Tennis and Tutoring, will also benefit from fundraising during this Laver Cup that will go towards supporting both groups' programming.

USTA Foundation CEO Ginny Ehrlich estimates that the two programs serve more than 1,400 young people with "access to tennis at no cost, access to education, mentorship and life skills that will prepare them for all the challenges they might face in life.”

Federer agreed that the impact from the new courts will last far beyond the weekend.

“From the beginning, the Laver Cup has been about more than just three days of competition–it’s about leaving a lasting legacy in the communities we visit,” Federer said. “To see these courts restored here in San Francisco, with the support of partners like Mercedes-Benz who have been alongside me for many years, is really special. I hope they inspire the next generation to pick up a racquet and enjoy this great game.”

With this collective support, YTA leadership hopes to double the number of young people it serves in the local community in the next three to five years.

“It’s transformative,” YTA co-founder Michael Skinner said. “The kids compete against each other, they support each other. When they have bad days or their home life is getting rough, they always have people they can count on, who see and respect them.”