Two-time Grand Slam champion Coco Gauff made a surprise appearance at a local tennis clinic in New Orleans East on Monday, stopping by the newly renovated tennis center dedicated in her honor.
Earlier this year, all 10 courts at Joe Brown Park were upgraded through the US Open Legacy Initiative, a program created to celebrate Gauff’s 2023 US Open victory. As part of the initiative, the USTA committed $3 million—the same amount as Gauff’s 2023 prize money—to improving public tennis courts nationwide. The New Orleans location was personally chosen by the Gauff family because of their strong connections to the city.
“New Orleans holds a very special place in my heart, so being back here means a lot,” Gauff said. “It’s incredible to partner with the USTA on this initiative.”
Brian Vahaly, USTA Chairman of the Board and Interim Co-CEO, added: “The US Open Legacy Initiative, created to honor our 2023 Women’s Singles Champion Coco Gauff, has enabled us to support over 100 facilities nationwide and bring the elite level of our sport closer to local communities.
“By renovating the public courts at Joe W. Brown Park, we’re increasing access to tennis and providing players with a greatly improved place to enjoy the game. We are thankful for our collaboration with New Orleans and proud to help develop a facility that will serve the community for many years.”
Monday’s program included a youth clinic hosted by A’s and Aces, a local nonprofit that regularly runs activities at the Joe W. Brown Park courts. The organization is part of the USTA Foundation’s National Junior Tennis & Learning network, which includes more than 270 chapters nationwide offering affordable or free tennis, academic support, and life-skills training to young people in underserved communities.
Coco Gauff took to the court with children from schools across the New Orleans area as part of the US Open Legacy Initiative event. Photo by Tyler Kaufman/USTA.
“It was truly special to have someone like Coco visit our community and these courts, which were renovated with USTA support in her honor and to celebrate her US Open victory,” said Anna Monhartova, Co-Founder of A’s & Aces. “Seeing the kids, families, and the entire community come together through our partnership with the city and the USTA made the day unforgettable. It’s a moment they’ll carry with them for the rest of their lives.”
Coco Gauff at the US Open Legacy Initiative event with students from across the New Orleans metro area. Photo by Tyler Kaufman/USTA.
“Watching Coco play on these courts is incredibly meaningful for New Orleans East,” said Larry Barabino, Jr., CEO of the NORD Commission.
“This community is filled with promise and ability. These upgraded courts provide our youth with a place to grow, compete, and feel inspired—reminding them that dedication can lead to success, and that champions can emerge from neighborhoods just like theirs. We’re grateful to Coco, her family, and the USTA for investing in our young people, and we deeply value our partnership with A’s & Aces, whose support brings these opportunities to life.”
The event served not only to celebrate the New Orleans renovation but also to commemorate the completion of the US Open Legacy Initiative, which reached its $3 million goal this summer. Altogether, the initiative supported more than 100 facilities and helped refurbish over 700 public tennis courts nationwide. Each site received a plaque acknowledging that the upgrades were made in honor of Gauff’s US Open achievement.
