‘Tennis In the City’: ‘Come Play’ initiative welcomes some 60 local kids on court
The Jack Adams Tennis Center was the site of some brand new tennis dreams being born on Monday.
With more than 60 youngsters from around the Charleston area on court, WTA stars Leylah Fernandez, Caty McNally, Magda Linette and Alycia Parks stopped by ‘Tennis In The City’, an event that’s part of the WTA’s ‘Come Play’ initiative in conjunction with the Credit One Charleston Open and Morgan Stanley.
“Tennis welcomes everybody,” said Fernandez, the Canadian who was runner-up at the 2021 US Open. “This event [allows] kids to have the opportunity to pick up a racket and have fun, go outside and play with other kids, I think that’s going to give them joy.”
The juniors participating were part of a city-wide initiative to grow youth tennis in the Charleston community and provide affordable, quality tennis instruction to kids who may otherwise not receive it.
Members of the College of Charleston men’s and women’s tennis teams helped alongside the WTA pros to help lead the clinic and participate in activities.
“Isn’t it great?” said Charleston Mayor John Tecklenburg. “You see kids out here from every school district, every walk of life, being able to enjoy the game. Learn, have fun and learn life lessons. It’s terrific.”
Youngsters were divided into skill levels, with beginners using small nets and softer, slower-moving tennis balls. The more advanced kids got to try their hand rallying with some of the WTA players, including Australian Open semifinalist Linette.
“What we’re doing here today, it brings the community together,” said Fernandez.
Added Alice Milligan, CMO for Morgan Stanley: “I think it’s really important for the kids to have access and have the opportunity to learn the game of tennis.”
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