Frances Tiafoe, the 25-year-old American tennis star, has made a significant contribution to the Junior Tennis Champions’ Center (JTCC) in College Park, Maryland, where he honed his skills as a young player. Tiafoe presented a $50,000 check to the organization, which will support its tennis programming and provide opportunities for under-resourced youth.
The donation stems from Tiafoe’s Frances Tiafoe Fund, established through the USTA Foundation last summer. The fund aims to support tennis and education programs for youth through the National Junior Tennis and Learning (NJTL) program. JTCC is one of over 250 NJTLs nationwide that receive support from the USTA Foundation.
Ray Benton, JTCC CEO, expressed his gratitude for Tiafoe’s generosity and mentorship. “Frances is an incredible role model to kids everywhere,” Benton said. “It’s an honor for our club to have him return to the place where it all started and help us move our mission forward.”
Tiafoe acknowledged the pivotal role JTCC played in his development. “I wouldn’t be where I am today without the support of everyone at JTCC,” he said. “It means a lot to me to be able to pay it forward and help the next generation of kids have access to the same opportunities as I did.”
Tiafoe’s support for youth tennis extends beyond the donation. He has conducted youth tennis clinics at tournaments in Dallas and Houston, where he reached the final. Ginny Ehrlich, USTA Foundation CEO, praised Tiafoe’s commitment to advocacy. “Frances has turned his success on the court into a platform for advocacy,” Ehrlich said. “His belief in the transformative power of sport and learning is reflected in his dedication to opening doors for the next generation.”
Tiafoe’s recent donation and support for youth tennis demonstrate his commitment to giving back to the community that nurtured his talent. As he prepares for the upcoming clay-court season in Europe, Tiafoe continues to inspire young players and promote the transformative power of tennis.
