Latin American Tennis Foundation - LATF

Today, on March 8th, we celebrate the women who didn’t just win titles they changed the history of tennis. 🎾✨
Before there were packed stadiums and equal prize money conversations, there were women who broke barriers, challenged systems, and redefined what was possible on and off the court.
From the pioneering courage of Anita Lizana, the first Latin American woman to win a Grand Slam, to the global brilliance of Maria Esther Bueno, who brought South American tennis to the top of the world.
From the international impact of Gabriela Sabatini, an icon for a generation, to the excellence in doubles of Paola Suárez and Gigi Fernández, a former world No. 1 and one of the greatest doubles players in history.
We also honor those who fought for something bigger than trophies.
Rosie Casals, one of the Original 9, helped transform women’s professional tennis and push for equality. Alongside her, the leadership and vision of Billie Jean King permanently changed the place of women in sport.
We recognize leaders like Mary Joe Fernández, Olympic medalist and role model beyond the court, and champions like Mónica Puig, who inspired new generations by proving that Latin dreams can be written in gold.
And today, that legacy continues with players like Beatriz Haddad Maia and Nadia Podoroska, who carry Latin representation proudly on the global stage.
This International Women’s Day, we celebrate their talent, their resilience, and their impact.
Because thanks to them, more girls can see themselves on the court and believe they belong there. 💜🎾

Doubles requires communication, tactical awareness, coordination, and trust.
Gigi Fernández (Puerto Rico) – 17 Grand Slam titles in women’s doubles.
Rosie Casals – Multiple Grand Slam titles in doubles and mixed doubles; pioneer in women’s professional tennis.
Winning a Grand Slam in doubles represents reaching the highest level through teamwork and strategic ex*****on.

Each youth event is more than a sports activity. It provides structured exposure to discipline,
mentorship, and opportunity. Many champions began in local programs and community spaces. Early access changes trajectories. Consistent support builds long-term impact.

If tennis is growing at record levels, access and representation must grow with it.

Contact us.

Grand Slam tournaments represent the highest level of professional tennis. Winning one means
competing against the best players in the world under the greatest pressure and on the biggest stages in the sport.
Throughout history, several Latin American players have reached this milestone in singles:
Guillermo Vilas – Roland Garros 1977, US Open 1977, Australian Open 1978 & 1979.
Gustavo Kuerten – Roland Garros 1997, 2000, 2001.
Andrés Gómez – Roland Garros 1990.
Gastón Gaudio – Roland Garros 2004.
Juan Martín del Potro – US Open 2009.
These titles prove that Latin talent can reach the highest level when real development opportunities exist.

Juan Pablo found in tennis a way to grow, inspire, and move forward.

He competes in USTA tournaments and motivates his community, even with limited resources.

At LATF, we work to create real opportunities through tennis.

💛 Donations starting at $1 make a difference.
📲 Donation link in stories.

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Juan Pablo encontró en el tenis una forma de crecer, inspirar y seguir adelante.

Compite en torneos USTA y motiva a su comunidad, incluso cuando los recursos son limitados.

En LATF trabajamos para que más jóvenes tengan oportunidades reales a través del tenis.

💛 Donaciones desde $1 también hacen la diferencia.
📲 Link para donar en stories.