Tennis courts in the Bronx renamed and refurbished in honor of Venus Williams

Last week in Flushing Meadows, Venus Williams was celebrated alongside Billie Jean King during the US Open for their roles in pushing the Grand Slams to award equal prize money.

Now her impact has been celebrated in the Bronx too, where some of tennis’ future Grand Slam champions may start honing their skills at "The Venus Williams Tennis Court."

Lacoste, in partnership with the City Parks Foundation, recently unveiled a pair of newly renovated tennis courts at St. Mary’s Park in Mott Haven—which has been renamed in the seven-time Grand Slam champion’s honor. The revamped courts feature a green-and-pink playing surface adorned with silhouettes of Venus herself, along with a few familiar crocodiles.

“It’s important for me to be close to the young generation,” Venus shared on an Instagram post.

“Sport has the power to change lives and I hope those two courts will make the kids want to practice more tennis.”

The Venus Williams Tennis Court has been a part of Lacoste’s long-standing partnership with the City Parks Foundation, which features free programming—including tennis lessons—in New York City’s public parks. In the Bronx, the CPF is focusing on providing long-term access to tennis through a program that’s “both sports-oriented and educational.”

“These courts (at St. Mary’s) are the same kind of courts I grew up on, playing tennis and having big dreams,” Venus also told Bronx Times.

“I am so happy for everyone of all ages to be exposed to this sport.”

Venus has been a global brand ambassador for Lacoste since last year, though she continues to compete in Eleven, her own clothing brand. In her most recent match, the 43-year-old bowed out to Greet Minnen 6-1, 6-1 at the US Open.