Following the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles, the WTA and WTA Foundation quickly took action to support the affected tennis communities. This effort coincided with the BNP Paribas Open in Palm Desert, and WTA Legends Alexandra Stevenson and Gigi Fernandez spearheaded the initiative.
Alexandra Stevenson, who coaches six players at Palisades Charter High School, recognized the immediate impact when the school was burned. The boys` and girls` tennis teams were significantly affected, with many players losing access to home courts and some even their homes.
Stevenson, in collaboration with Palisades coach Bud Kling and WTA Foundation Executive Director Ann Austin, organized a visit to the BNP Paribas Open for both teams on March 7. Madison Keys, ranked No. 5 in the world, met with the students for photos and autographs. Maria Sakkari and Ann Austin presented a $10,000 donation from the WTA Foundation to support the displaced students.
Stevenson emphasized the importance of providing positive support to these players after a disruptive two months. She noted that watching top players compete at the BNP Paribas Open was inspiring and gave them energy.
Gigi Fernandez also partnered with the WTA Foundation and raised $50,000, which included a $10,000 contribution from USTA Southern California. These funds are intended to help rebuild the Palisades Tennis Center and support the Altadena community, which was also affected by the fires.
Fernandez explained that she felt compelled to help after witnessing the devastation in Los Angeles. She shared her personal experience of recent hurricanes that flooded her house and destroyed her car. This motivated her to establish a nonprofit, “Tennis for Hope,” to assist disaster victims.
While in the process of obtaining 501(c)(3) status for “Tennis for Hope,” Fernandez collaborated with the WTA Foundation as a fiscal sponsor to start fundraising efforts.
At a ceremony held at Indian Wells in the WTA suite, Fernandez and Hall of Famer Pam Shriver presented Mike Tomas, Director of Palisades Tennis Center, with a $25,000 check for reconstruction. Fernandez also announced an additional $25,000 commitment to support the tennis community in Altadena.
Ann Austin stated that the WTA Foundation`s mission is to improve lives. She highlighted their immediate response to provide both financial and emotional assistance to those whose lives were drastically altered by the wildfires.
Rupert Caldwell