Tennis
Tennis Star Madison Keys Unveils New Court in Charlotte
2024-12-06
Charlotte is set to host its first Charlotte Invitational at 7 p.m. on Friday at the Spectrum Center. This event marks a significant moment in the city's tennis scene. Ahead of the exhibition match, tennis star Madison Keys was on hand to unveil a newly refurbished court in west Charlotte. She sat down with Channel 9 sports reporter DaShawn Brown to share her passion for making tennis accessible to all.

Madison Keys: Uniting Tennis and Community

Tennis Star Madison Keys and the Charlotte Invitational

The Charlotte Invitational is a highly anticipated event that brings together tennis enthusiasts and the community. Madison Keys, a renowned tennis star, is at the forefront of this initiative. Her presence adds a touch of star power and excitement to the occasion. The Spectrum Center provides the perfect backdrop for this inaugural tournament, setting the stage for some thrilling matches.

Tennis has been a significant part of Madison Keys' life. She believes that getting more kids involved in tennis opens up numerous opportunities. As she said, "Tennis has brought so much into my life. My goal has been to get as many kids playing tennis as possible because I think it opens so many doors other than just playing pro tennis." This sentiment reflects her dedication to making tennis accessible to everyone.

Keys' journey in tennis started at a young age. She was 12 when she relied on grants through USTA and attended the Everett Tennis Academy. With the help of a scholarship, she was able to pursue her dream. However, after two years, she realized that becoming a professional tennis player was more challenging than she initially thought. Her parents supported her in the beginning, but as the costs increased, they faced financial difficulties.

Tennis Star Keys' Impact on Other Communities

Keys has not only achieved success in her own career but has also made a significant impact on other communities. In North Charleston, she helped refurbish a court, providing more opportunities for local kids to play tennis. This act of kindness has sparked interest in the sport and given hope to the next generation.

"Starting my foundation and having 'Kindness Wins' has been the biggest success of my life," Keys said. "At the end of the day, winning tennis tournaments is amazing, but I also want to make a difference in people's lives." Her foundation is dedicated to promoting tennis and kindness, and her work is having a positive impact on communities across the country.

Keys' friendship with Sloane Stephens is another aspect of her life that adds to her story. The two have been friends for nearly 20 years and will be competing against each other tomorrow. On the tennis court, they are fierce competitors, but off the court, they share a bond that goes beyond the sport.

"We know we both want to win when we get on the court, but once the match is over, we start talking about something completely tennis-unrelated," Keys said. This shows the depth of their friendship and the importance of having a life outside of tennis.

Tennis in a Basketball Arena: A New Experience for Keys

Keys has never played a match in a basketball arena before. The Charlotte Invitational will be a first for her, and she is looking forward to the experience. Sitting in front of a large crowd in a basketball arena will be a new challenge for her, but she is excited to take on the opportunity.

"I don't think I've ever sat in front of so many seats before. It might be a little overwhelming, but it'll be a really fun experience," Keys said. This shows her willingness to step out of her comfort zone and embrace new challenges.

You can watch the Charlotte Invitational live on TV64 at 7 p.m. Friday. We'll also have the Spanish broadcast on our sister station, Telemundo Charlotte.©2024 Cox Media Group
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