Katrina Adams facts for kids
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| Country (sports) | United States |
|---|---|
| Residence | Yonkers, New York, United States |
| Born | August 5, 1968 Chicago, Illinois, US |
| Height | 5 ft 5 in (1.65 m) |
| Turned pro | 1988 |
| Retired | 1999 |
| Plays | Right-handed (two-handed backhand) |
| Prize money | $1,294,235 |
| Singles | |
| Career record | 182–194 |
| Career titles | 0 WTA, 1 ITF |
| Highest ranking | No. 67 (May 8, 1989) |
| Grand Slam singles results | |
| Australian Open | 3R (1992) |
| French Open | 1R (1988, 1989, 1992, 1996) |
| Wimbledon | 4R (1988) |
| US Open | 3R (1995) |
| Doubles | |
| Career record | 419–226 |
| Career titles | 20 WTA, 7 ITF |
| Highest ranking | No. 8 (August 14, 1989) |
| Grand Slam doubles results | |
| Australian Open | QF (1992) |
| French Open | QF (1988, 1989, 1992, 1993, 1995, 1996) |
| Wimbledon | SF (1988) |
| US Open | QF (1991, 1994) |
Katrina M. Adams (born August 5, 1968) is an American tennis leader and former professional tennis player from Chicago. She made history as the first former tennis pro and first African-American to lead the United States Tennis Association (USTA) as its president and CEO. She also chaired the US Open tennis tournament.
As a player, Katrina was especially good at doubles. She reached the quarter-finals or even further in all four major tennis tournaments, known as Grand Slams. She also achieved a career-high doubles ranking of no. 8 in the world. After her playing career, she wrote a book called Own the Arena: Getting Ahead, Making a Difference, and Succeeding as the Only One, which came out in 2021.
Contents
Early Life and School
Katrina Adams started playing tennis when she was just six years old. She joined a tennis program on Chicago's West Side. She went to Whitney Young High School, where she became a tennis champion. She was the first student from a Chicago Public School and the first African-American to win the Illinois High School Association’s singles title in 1983 and 1984.
Later, while attending Northwestern University, she continued to shine in tennis. She won the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) doubles title with her partner Diane Donnelly in 1987. Her amazing skills earned her the "All-American" title twice.
Tennis Career Highlights
Katrina Adams won many doubles titles during her professional career. She won seven of her 20 WTA doubles titles between 1987 and 1996 with her partner Zina Garrison. This included a big win at the 1988 World Doubles Championships.
Her best result in singles at a Grand Slam was at the 1988 Wimbledon Championships. She reached the fourth round, which is a great achievement, before losing a close match to the legendary player Chris Evert. In the same year, she also reached the semi-finals of the Wimbledon doubles with Zina Garrison.
Awards and Recognition
Katrina Adams was recognized for her dedication and service to tennis even during her playing days. She won the annual WTA Player Service Award twice, in 1996 and 1997. This award honors players who help promote the sport and support their fellow athletes.
In June 2024, her former university, Northwestern, will present her with an honorary degree. This special award celebrates her achievements and contributions since graduating.
Life After Playing Tennis
After retiring from professional tennis, Katrina Adams stayed very involved in the sport. Since 2003, she has been a television commentator for the Tennis Channel, sharing her knowledge and insights with viewers. She also regularly contributes to We Need to Talk, an all-female sports show on CBS Sports Network.
Beyond broadcasting, she is an executive director for the Harlem Junior Tennis and Education Program. This program helps young people learn tennis and get an education.
In January 2015, Katrina Adams made history again. She became the president, chairman, and CEO of the United States Tennis Association (USTA). This made her the first former professional tennis player and the first African-American to hold this top leadership role in American tennis.
In 2016, she also became the Chairperson of the International Tennis Federation (ITF) Fed Cup committee. This committee oversees the Fed Cup, which is a major international team competition in women's tennis. Katrina also serves on the board of directors for the International Tennis Hall of Fame, helping to preserve the history of tennis.
Performance timelines
| W | F | SF | QF | #R | RR | Q# | A | NH |
Singles Grand Slam Results
| Tournament | 1987 | 1988 | 1989 | 1990 | 1991 | 1992 | 1993 | 1994 | 1995 | 1996 | 1997 | W–L |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Australian Open | A | 1R | 2R | 1R | A | 3R | Q2 | Q1 | Q1 | A | 1R | 4–8 |
| French Open | A | 1R | 1R | Q2 | Q2 | 1R | Q1 | Q3 | A | 1R | Q1 | 4–9 |
| Wimbledon | A | 4R | 3R | 1R | Q2 | 2R | Q1 | 1R | 1R | 2R | Q2 | 18–10 |
| US Open | Q2 | 1R | 1R | 1R | Q3 | A | 1R | 1R | 3R | 1R | Q3 | 7–10 |
Doubles Grand Slam Results
| Tournament | 1986 | 1987 | 1988 | 1989 | 1990 | 1991 | 1992 | 1993 | 1994 | 1995 | 1996 | 1997 | 1998 | 1999 | W–L |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Australian Open | A | A | 3R | 3R | 3R | A | QF | 3R | 2R | 1R | A | 2R | 1R | 1R | 13–10 |
| French Open | A | A | QF | QF | 3R | 3R | QF | QF | 1R | QF | QF | 2R | 3R | 1R | 25–12 |
| Wimbledon | A | A | SF | QF | 3R | QF | 3R | 1R | 2R | 3R | QF | 3R | 3R | 1R | 23–12 |
| US Open | 1R | 1R | 2R | 3R | 3R | QF | A | 3R | QF | 3R | 2R | 3R | 2R | 1R | 19–13 |
See also
In Spanish: Katrina Adams para niños
