Honoring the Legacy, Witnessing the Future

Designed by Kaylyn J. HIll

Walking into the US Open 2025 on the very first day felt like stepping into history in motion. The crowd was buzzing with anticipation, the courts alive with energy, and the spirit of tennis at its highest. But what stood out most to me wasn’t just the matches—it was witnessing Black excellence unfold in real time.

I had the honor of watching Taylor Townsend walk away with victory, her grit and brilliance lighting up the court. As she secured her win, I couldn’t help but feel the weight of all those who came before her—pioneers who fought for the right to play, to be seen, and to be celebrated on these very courts.

That’s why I came wearing a shirt that wasn’t just fabric—it was a statement. A shirt honoring Althea Gibson, the first Black player to win a Grand Slam, who broke barriers at the US Open long before today’s stars could shine. It carried the spirit of Serena Williams, a six-time US Open champion who redefined dominance, and the rising power of Coco Gauff, who at just 19 lifted the 2023 US Open trophy as the youngest American to do so since Serena.

To sit in the stands, draped in this tribute, while watching Taylor Townsend push forward in her own journey—it was a reminder that Black women continue to shape tennis, generation after generation. From Althea to Serena to Coco, and now Taylor, their presence isn’t just about winning titles; it’s about transforming the culture of the game and leaving undeniable marks of resilience, joy, and brilliance.

The US Open has always been about champions. But today, it felt like more than that. It felt like a living continuum—a moment where the past, present, and future of Black women in tennis stood side by side. And I got to be there, honoring them all, shirt on and heart full.

—Kaylyn J. Hill