Seven kids. One legendary court. One Grand Slam star. For a handful of young tennis players from Miami Gardens, Brooklyn’s Kings County Tennis League, and East Palo Alto, today wasn’t just another day at the US Open – it was the day they got to rally with a pro at the Arthur Ashe Stadium.

The seven were nominated by the USTA Foundation for their game, as well as for who they are off the court – strong students, natural leaders, and active volunteers in their communities.

Miami Gardens, Brooklyn’s Kings County Tennis League, and East Palo Alto are communities that have benefitted so far from Emirates’ Force for Good initiative. This community-focussed programme, run in partnership with the USTA Foundation, has funded court refurbishments in under-resourced  neighborhoods for the past three years.

Today, young players from each city stepped onto Arthur Ashe to trade shots with Isner, soaking up pointers straight from one of the game’s biggest names. The event was not only a clinic, but also a platform that brought kids from different Force for Good communities together for the first time and gave them a shared sense of what accessible courts and real mentorship can build.

Emirates cabin crew were on hand to give out encouragement and a fresh kit of high-quality tennis gear to each young participant to fuel their next season. There was also time for autographs and photos with Isner.

Emirates also opened its doors for the day to additional young fans and their families, giving even more people a taste of US Open magic.