Abilities Tennis at the 2025 US Open

Over Labor Day weekend 2025, Abilities Tennis athletes from North Carolina had the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to step onto the iconic Arthur Ashe Stadium court as part of USTA’s Net Generation initiative to “Grow the Game.” Careful planning and dedicated fundraising over the past three years made this dream possible, enabling Abilities Tennis to take 24 athletes and a parent or caregiver to participate.

Our group was welcomed with open arms and treated like true champions. Before the match, one athlete said she was so excited she felt like she might cry. Then, with arms in the air, our players took to the court like Grand Slam champs—serving, rallying, and smiling in front of all the spectators and millions watching on TV. It was a powerful reminder that tennis is truly a game for every BODY.

The impact of this moment is already being felt across North Carolina. One mom, who recently moved to the state, happened to see Abilities athletes’ demo on TV. As she watched, she noticed that the athletes reminded her of her own son, who has an intellectual disability. Then she spotted the words “Abilities Tennis Association of North Carolina” on their shirts. A lifelong tennis lover herself, she immediately searched for the nearest clinic. Just days later, she and her son showed up in Belmont, where he played in his very first clinic and loved every minute. 

One highlight of the US Open experience was seeing Abilities athlete Seth Cowden flip the coin for the evening match—and getting to shake hands and meet Alexander Bublik and Jannik Sinner.

Our trip to the US Open was unforgettable, but its ripple effect may be even greater. With every swing, smile, and cheer, our athletes helped open the doors for more families to discover the joy and community of adaptive tennis. In doing so, Abilities Tennis is making great strides in growing the game of tennis in all communities.