Coco Gauff recognised for contributions to tennis with Black List award

By Abi Curran

Reigning US Open champion Coco Gauff has been lauded for her contributions to tennis both on and off the court as part of the Tennis Black List 2024.

Gauff, who will face fellow American Caroline Dolehide in the first round at Wimbledon, won the Player Award, a testament to her remarkable achievements within the sport.

The Black List Awards celebrated tennis role models from the black and mixed black heritage community from players at the highest level to volunteers and their tireless efforts.

Founded by Anne-Marie Batson and Richard Sackey-Addo last year, the event on 27 June 2024 marked the second year of the Tennis Black List, supported by the LTA, Barclays and YC Sports.

In the run-up to The Championships at Wimbledon in nearby Roehampton, the awards recognise the contributions of individuals and organisations from grassroots level up to the professional game in Britain and internationally.

The Tennis Black List follows the example set by the successful and respected Football Black List, created by Leon Mann MBE and Rodney Hinds, and Rugby Black List, demonstrating the power that celebrating black excellence can achieve in sport.

The event was an opportunity to inspire the next generation in the tennis community, with the commitment shown by the winners.

Awards were handed out in eight categories across the evening at the ceremony, with several recipients present at the National Tennis Centre.

Gauff first cracked the Top 50 in 2020 and has risen through the ranks since, making her Top 10 debut in 2022 before reaching a maiden Grand Slam final at Roland-Garros as the youngest major finalist since Maria Sharapova at Wimbledon in 2004.

Tennis Black List organisers Batson and Sackey-Addo said: “This was truly a night of inspiration and celebration of the black and mixed-black heritage communities’ excellence in tennis on and off the court.

“It’s been an honour to recognise a group of remarkable people who are the perfect embodiment of this.”

LTA Chief Executive Scott Lloyd said: “It was hugely inspiring to celebrate once again all the amazing successes and achievements of the black and mixed-black heritage communities – the 2024 winners are real role models to everyone.”

“Our vision at the LTA is for tennis to be welcoming, enjoyable and inspiring to everyone. We know that seeing and celebrating the success of role models, inspires and encourages more people to get involved – whether as a player, a coach or a volunteer.”

Serving excellence on and off the court: The Tennis Black List #TennisBlackList #2024TennisBlackList #TennisBlackList2024