WASHINGTON, March 28, 2020 (by Michael Dickens)
In a time of uncertainty that goes beyond the tennis world, American pro Madison Keys, a native of Rock Island, Illinois, has announced the launch of a new relief initiative called “Kindness in Crisis.”
During a recent profile on the WTA’s website, Keys, 25, explained that amidst the global coronavirus pandemic, “we’re all on the same team.”
Keys said in a statement: “At a time when many of us are experiencing fear and isolation, I wanted to step up and offer my help, even if it was just a small gesture. Over the past week, that idea has spread to include awarding Visa gift cards to individuals who are struggling, and alongside my fellow professional athletes, raising funds for COVID-19 relief, by way of our Kindness in Crisis auction.”
The 13th-ranked Keys, who has won five career WTA singles titles, said she wants to use her platform as a means of reaching out and helping meet the needs of people who are struggling financially during the coronavirus pandemic.
“With the coronavirus causing so much fear, anxiety, social distancing and isolation,” she said, “it’s more important now than ever that we reach out to each other to provide meaningful connection and support.”
Tweet a great tennis story in four words
Thursday evening, the ATP Tour tweeted a challenge to its 1.5 million followers: “Tweet a great tennis story in four words.”
The response has been overwhelming if not creative – more than 1,000 tweets. Here’s a sampling of some of the “great tennis stories in four words”:
• From Christopher Clarey, tennis correspondent for The New York Times: “Big Three: 20 each.”
• From Sharada Rajagopalan, Tennis TourTalk contributor: “Goran Ivanesevic, Wimbledon champion.”
• From Ash Marshall, tennis journalist and USTA writer/photographer: “Flushing final: Federer-Nadal.”
• From Pam Shriver, former pro turned ESPN tennis analyst: “Merge with WTA now.”
• From Darren Cahill: former pro turned coach (Simona Halep) and ESPN tennis analyst: “Wimbledon is a go🤞”
• From Ryan Harrison, U.S. tennis pro: “Federer Nadal Wimbledon 2008.”
Here are some others from tennis fans: “Game, set, match Federer.” “You cannot be serious.” “Borg-McEnroe eighteen-sixteen.”
What they’re tweeting
Kim Clijsters, Belgium, Hall of Fame player
We are grateful that we can be together as a family. We have great admiration for everyone on the frontline – the doctors, nurses, medical staff – who are working so hard. From our family – thank you for everything🙏 💙#ThanksHealthHeroes #StayHome #allemaalsamen #blijfinuwkot pic.twitter.com/XHReWpcXjS
— Kim Clijsters (@Clijsterskim) March 27, 2020
Juan Sebastian Cabal, Columbia, World No. 1 doubles player
Watch out, @RobertFarah_ 👀
It looks like @juanscabal may have a new doubles partner! 😉
🎥 @juanscabal | #StayAtHomeSaveLives pic.twitter.com/c2LvD7W94J
— Davis Cup (@DavisCup) March 27, 2020
Bianca Andreescu, Canada, World No. 6 singles player
Please. Continue. To. Make. Tik Toks.👏🏼👏🏼😂😂😂😂 https://t.co/QPwJu16AUG
— Bianca (@Bandreescu_) March 26, 2020
