The Association of Tennis Professionals, ATP, was created in 1972, a formation of the world’s leading professional tennis players into one association. With the unifying goal of “changing the game for the better,” the group established a computer ranking system to accurately analyze players’ performances and determine tournament entries. Today, that ranking system is the official ranking system used in men’s tennis.
Over the years, ATP has helped players take greater control of the game they love, giving their voices a platform from which to be heard. Eventually, the ATP Tour was formed, with the first tour beginning in 1990. This year, the ATP Tour will be in its 24th year.
Perhaps one of the best things that has come out of the formation of this organization is the ATP Aces for Charity program, which began in 2011. The program is a “global initiative aimed at giving back to communities where ATP World Tour events are played, as well as recognizing (sic) and supporting tournament, player and alumni charitable initiatives.” In just a few years, the program has awarded 49 grants and more than $530,000 in donations.
This year, 9 new charitable causes have been nominated to receive 2014 ATP ACES for Charity grants:
- Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation
- Al Noor Training Centre For Children with Special Needs
- Killing Fields To Tennis Courts Foundation
- MaliVai Washington Youth Foundation in Florida
- New York Junior Tennis & Learning
- WimBelemDon Project in Brazil
- Justin Gimelstob Children’s Fund
- UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center
- Fede Lux Association