USTA Unveils Refurbished Tennis Courts in Madison Keys’ Illinois Hometown
November 11, 2025
ROCK ISLAND, Ill., November 10, 2025 – The United States Tennis Association (USTA), along with the City of Rock Island, USTA Missouri Valley and Madison Keys’ Kindness Wins Foundation, unveiled refurbished tennis courts in Keys’ hometown of Rock Island, Ill., on Monday. The effort to refurbish the three tennis courts at Rock Island’s Mel McKay Park was funded by the USTA in honor of Keys’ maiden Grand Slam singles title at the 2025 Australian Open.
“Madison is an incredible champion and a true role model for so many young players,” said Brian Vahaly, Chairman of the Board and President, interim Co-CEO, USTA. “Honoring her Australian Open victory by giving back to the community where her journey began feels deeply special. These courts will give young players across the region a place to play, compete and dream, serving as a lasting reminder of Madison’s journey and the best of what our sport represents.”
Today’s event, which was attended by Rock Island leaders and USTA representatives, included a court dedication and a youth tennis clinic led by the Quad Cities Tennis Club. The event also featured a pre-recorded video message from Keys, who was represented at the event by her mother, Christine, a Rock Island resident who currently serves as the president of Keys’ Kindness Wins Foundation. The foundation provided giveaways, including signed pictures of Keys with her Australian Open trophy.
“It means a lot to me to be able to make a lasting impact in the tennis community in my hometown, especially after the memorable year that I have had. I’m so grateful that the USTA chose to do this in my honor,” said Keys. “Providing youth access to sports is one of my main goals for Kindness Wins so I’m excited that tennis players across the Quad Cities will have access to really great courts to grow the sport at all levels.”
“We’re incredibly proud to see Madison’s success come full circle,” said John Gripp, Director of Parks and Recreation, City of Rock Island. “Her journey began right here in Rock Island and this investment ensures the next generation of players will have the same opportunities to play.”
“We are so proud of Madison’s accomplishments on the court, but we are especially proud of her continued commitment to the community and encouraging accessibility and play for everyone,” added Mary Buschmann, CEO and Executive Director, USTA Missouri Valley.
The Rock Island project joins a growing list of USTA initiatives focused on improving tennis infrastructure across the country, which is a key pillar of the USTA’s effort to grow broad-based tennis participation to 35 million players by 2035. The USTA previously announced the US Open Legacy Initiative, launched in honor of Coco Gauff’s victory at the 2023 US Open, which included the refurbishment of tennis courts in Gauff’s hometown of Delray Beach, Fla., while the USTA also committed an additional $10 million earlier this year to fund grants that support infrastructure projects nationwide.