Pro-Am Helps to Raise $75,000 for Former Charleston Champ Madison Keys’ Kindness Wins Foundation
Credit One Charleston Open, Credit One Stadium
When 2019 Credit One Charleston Open champion Madison Keys received a recent text from tournament director Bob Moran, she shot back an immediate response: “Just tell me when to show up!”
Moran had proposed to her a special pro-am tennis event that would take place on Family Weekend of this year’s tournament, benefitting Keys’ Kindness Wins foundation, as well as charities of her choosing.
Saturday (March 30) that very event helped kick off the 2024 tournament, with Keys joined by fellow pros Jessica Pegula, Shelby Rogers, Emma Navarro, Elina Svitolina and Desirae Krawczyk – among others – and a group of local tennis enthusiasts on the practice courts of the Family Circle Tennis Center.
The group collectively raised $75,000, which will – via Kindness Wins – be distributed to two separate projects that Keys hand-picked.
“The main goal for me is to get tennis to be as accessible as possible for as many people, especially kids,” explained Keys, 29. “Some of the funds we raised today are going to Reese Brantmeier who plays at UNC. She’s raising money for some courts in her hometown in Wisconsin.
Keys continued: “The other funds are going to Courting Kids, which is a local tennis organization here win Charleston which is getting a bunch of kids on the tennis court, just making [the sport] as accessible as possible. I’m so excited.”
“Working alongside Madison on her pro-am event to benefit Kindness Wins has been a highlight for us at the Credit One Charleston Open,” said Moran.
He added: “Madison is not just an exceptional athlete on the court, but an inspiring role model off of it. Her commitment to spreading kindness and making a tangible impact in communities is something we deeply admire. Madison’s dedication to fostering positive change showcases the powerful role athletes can play, and we’re honored to have been a part of this meaningful journey.”
It was a perfect tennis-playing kind of day on Daniel Island for the pros and amateurs alike. The group split up into doubles teams and played with a mix of seriousness and good nature.
The good causes being benefitted were top of mind for most, including some of Madison’s closest friends on tour.
“I have truly some of the greatest friends in the world come out and help me today,” she said. “I think we all had so much fun. Being able to do this here in Charleston means the world to me. I have never missed a year here since I first started playing. To be able to do this with all of these people that I’ve known for so long and care about so much it’s amazing.”
Tournament ambassadors Tracy Austin and Jennifer Brady were also in attendance.
Keys made her Charleston debut in 2013, and has a 20-9 career record here. She made the 2015 final, falling to Angelique Kerber in three sets, before beating Caroline Wozniacki in the 2019 championship title.
Keys considers this event and the greater Charleston area a second home, making the collaboration with her even more fitting for Saturday’s pro-am.
“Everyone on the team here is absolutely amazing,” she said. “As soon as we got the opportunity, I immediately said, ‘Yes.’ I was so excited, and it turned out to be an absolutely amazing day.”
