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Like many other up-and-coming tennis players, Whitney Osuigwe has been elevating her game since the moment she first stepped onto a tennis court. What started as a journey with her father, Desmond, on IMG Academy's Bradenton, FL campus has turned into the pursuit of a dream and a career inclusive of Grand Slam appearances in Melbourne and Flushing Meadows, a top 105 WTA ranking, four combined ITF singles and doubles titles, and a spotlight as a rising American female champion.
Currently ranked No. 163 on the WTA tour, Osuigwe's efforts aren't always solely focused on her personal tennis betterment, however. Recently, this 18-year-old turned to tennis to provide an opportunity for disadvantaged children to get out onto the court, even it's simply as an outlet or a distraction from their everyday routines.
According to a recent ITF article, Osuigwe said, “I believe I can use tennis as a platform to help. I do tutorials when I can, playing with young kids and getting them to sign up for tennis lessons so they stay out of trouble, but it is definitely something more for the future when I am able to give my 100 percent best to it."
Osuigwe recognizes that her situation isn't one that all up-and-coming teenagers have access to, and she's encouraged by the fact that she can use her love for the game to impact others on a scale that stretches much wider than the sidelines.
Up next for Osuigwe is the Australian Open main draw. After securing her spot in the Women's Draw following three straight wins in the qualifying bracket, Osuigwe will face Zhu in the first round of the year's first Grand Slam. Follow along with her progress in Melbourne as the tournament begins on February 8, 2021.
“As I say, I am just focusing on being happy on court. Knowing that my happiness comes first, I am confident that results will follow.”
