Andre Agassi, Stefanie Graf, Martina Navratilova and a star-studded cast of tennis greats came together in Santa Fe over the weekend, helping raise $1.5 million for the First Serve New Mexico Foundation.
The special weekend at the award-winning Forked Lightning Racquet Club brought together tennis legends with a combined 152 major titles, all united in support of a program that uses tennis and education to create opportunities for young people in the Santa Fe community.
Among the participants were International Tennis Hall of Famers Agassi, Graf, Navratilova, Mats Wilander, Tracy Austin and Bob and Mike Bryan. Fellow Grand Slam champions Luke Jensen, Murphy Jensen and Mark Knowles also took part in the festivities.
A host of former professionals, including John Isner, Sam Querrey, Brad Gilbert, Jan-Michael Gambill, Steve Johnson, Brian MacPhie, T.J. Middleton, Nick Monroe, Christina McHale and Lauren McHale, joined the celebration.
Saturday’s activities began with a special tennis session for local youngsters enrolled in First Serve New Mexico, who had the opportunity to take the court with some of the biggest names in the sport. Later in the day, more than 500 club members enjoyed a lively team tennis exhibition featuring the visiting stars.
The festivities continued into the evening with a sold-out Legendary Gala, attended by 700 sponsors and VIP guests. Through auctions, contributions and the generosity of supporters, the event generated $1.5 million for First Serve New Mexico, exceeding the organization’s fundraising target.
Agassi provided another highlight with a personal contribution of $100,000.
First Serve New Mexico president Angelique Cook Lowry said the successful weekend will allow the organization to reach even more students through its educational and athletic initiatives, including an expansion of its physical education pilot program and facilities program serving Santa Fe Public Schools.
Agassi and Graf, returning to the event for a second consecutive year, were delighted to lend their support.
“It’s been wonderful and we came here last year and kind of got introduced to the community,” said Graf, who emphasized the importance of introducing children to tennis and encouraging them to remain involved in the sport.
Agassi paid tribute to First Serve New Mexico board members and philanthropists Scott and Kimberley Sheffield for their commitment to creating opportunities for local youth.
“It’s a gift to these kids that otherwise wouldn’t have this opportunity,” Agassi said, highlighting the physical, social and personal benefits that racquet sports can provide.
Navratilova, making her first appearance at the event, was equally enthusiastic about the program and its impact. The 18-time Grand Slam singles champion, who also received an early birthday surprise from the Bryan Brothers Band, praised the positive influence tennis can have on young lives.
“The program is fantastic and gives kids something to focus on,” Navratilova said, adding that the lessons learned on a tennis court can help children develop confidence and find direction beyond the sport.
Founded in 2003 by Eleanor and Richard Brenner, First Serve New Mexico provides free after-school and summer programming for students in grades 3 through 12 throughout the Santa Fe area.
Operating primarily at Forked Lightning Racquet Club, the organization combines tennis instruction with academic tutoring and life-skills development, helping students build confidence, pursue educational goals and develop the tools to succeed both on and off the court.
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