Gigi Fernandez’s Foundation Tennis For Hope Donates $50,000 to Support USTA Florida Foundation Hurricane Relief Efforts

A major moment at the first-ever USTA Florida Tennis Summit came when Gigi Fernández presented a $50,000 donation from Tennis For Hope to the USTA Florida Foundation’s Hurricane Relief Fund. 

Tennis For Hope was born from Fernández’s own experience with storm damage. After her home flooded during Hurricane Helene, she launched the organization to unite the tennis community in supporting individuals and facilities affected by hurricanes and other natural disasters. The initiative raises funds, organizes events, and provides grants and direct assistance to tennis communities in need. Tennis For Hope has already donated more than $200,000 toward disaster relief efforts this year. 

Photo Courtesy: AJ Borromeo

“When I left the U.S. Open, I said, I need to give back more. I don’t feel like I do enough to give back to this game that has given me so much,” Fernandez said. “I decided that I was going to start a foundation and I was going to call it Tennis for Hope.” 

Fernandez is one of the most accomplished doubles players in tennis history, with 17 Grand Slam doubles titles, two Olympic gold medals, and an induction into the International Tennis Hall of Fame. Since retiring from the professional tour, she has remained active in coaching, community engagement, and philanthropic initiatives that use tennis as a vehicle for positive change. 

The USTA Florida Foundation’s Hurricane Relief Fund has played a critical role in rebuilding courts and restoring programs across the state. In April 2025 the Foundation awarded $829,688 in grants to five Tampa-Clearwater area facilities, contributing to the more than $1.3 million in hurricane relief funding distributed since 2019. Donations such as the Tennis For Hope gift move through the Foundation’s grant and reimbursement process, ensuring support reaches eligible facilities quickly and responsibly. 

Photo Courtesy: AJ Borromeo

“I wanted to know if there’s any other facilities in Florida that need help [with Hurricane relief] and sure enough there’s two parks here in Florida that still haven’t completed their renovations,” Fernandez added. “We have a plan [to help get these tennis facilities back up and running] and I’m happy to be in partnership with the USTA Florida Foundation.” 

Tennis For Hope’s efforts don’t stop at Hurricane Relief, the foundation is also developing a new 2026 initiative, Rally for Florida, which will include a series of statewide fundraising and community events, with full details coming soon. More information can be found at tennisforhope.org. 

Together, Tennis For Hope and the USTA Florida Foundation are helping ensure that tennis remains resilient, accessible, and ready to serve players across Florida for years to come. To learn more or donate to the Hurricane Relief Fund, visit ustafloridafoundation.com/hurricane-relief