2026 USTA Foundation Opening Night Gala provides young people with opportunities to unlock their excellence

The USTA Foundation’s Opening Night Gala at the 2026 US Open raised $2.7 million Sunday evening, directly fueling transformative programs that provide tennis, education and mentorship opportunities to young people from under-resourced communities nationwide. In 2025, this support helped over 233,000 young people access no-cost tennis, education, and mentorship programs, as well as college scholarships and high-performance training support through more than 270 community organizations to prepare them for life on and off the court.

Stephens’ significant impact off the court has earned her national recognition, including being named one of TIME Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People in Philanthropy and receiving the 2025 ESPY Awards' Muhammad Ali Humanitarian Award, solidifying her legacy as an influential leader and advocate for youth empowerment.

“We believe that all young people, no matter where they live or who they are, should have the opportunity to unlock their full potential,” said Ginny Ehrlich, USTA Foundation CEO. “Together with our generous supporters and partners, we aren’t just broadening access to tennis; we are championing the next generation of leaders and equipping them with the tools they need to thrive, wherever their journeys take them.”

The USTA Foundation works year-round to support its flagship National Junior Tennis & Learning (NJTL) network, co-founded in 1969 by tennis and humanitarian icon Arthur Ashe, Charlie Pasarell and Sheridan Snyder. Ashe’s widow, Jeanne Moutoussamy-Ashe, attended the gala, along with other supporters including actor Orlando Bloom, fashion icon Vera Vang, US Olympic Gold Medalist Lindsey Vonn, two-time Super Bowl champion Justin Tuck, actress Kate Walsh, actor Da’Vinchi, journalist Katie Couric and many more.