Arthur Ashe Kids Day is one of our favorite annual events because it combines our two loves: music and tennis! This year’s event was entertaining from start to finish, with performances from some of music’s hottest rising stars and fun tennis games with pros and non-pros alike. And it’s all for a good cause – proceeds from the event benefit the USTA Foundation, National Junior Tennis & Learning (NJTL), and charities selected by participating tennis pros.
Flo Rida got the crowd pumped up with everyone’s favorite hype song “My House,” welcoming everyone to the new and improved Arthur Ashe Stadium featuring the amazing new roof! Spectators were able to see just how easily the roof can be opened and closed. (It’s fast and very cool to watch).
Hosts Laura Marano, Joey Bragg, and Jordan Fisher kept the party going with their fun dynamic. Joey took a seat in the “tennis emperor” chair, better known as the umpire chair, to officiate over the festivities.
Laura Marano performed her hit “Boombox,” followed by her brand new single, “La La!” This was the first time Laura performed her new single, and we can already tell it’s going to be a hit.
Four Olympians were brought onto the court for the Xerox Target challenge: Juan Martin Del Potro (Silver Medal, Men’s Singles); Venus Williams (Silver Medal; Mixed Doubles); Stevie Johnson (Bronze Medal, Men’s Doubles); and Monica Puig (Gold Medal, Women’s Singles). The four pros were joined by NJTL winner, Mykael, for some target practice, each raising over $14,000 for the charity of their choice! Every target hit = $1000.
Jack Sock took the court with Ansel Elgort and some NJTL players to show off their tennis skills. We must say all of the kids who participate are awesome and we wouldn’t be surprised to see them on the pro side of AAKD down the road!
Boyband Forever In Your Mind got a taste of what the pros feel as they played their hits “Hurricane” and “Enough About Me,” from just behind the baseline on court! FIYM have come a long way since 2015, when they performed outside on the Hess Festival Stage. The guys had Arthur Ashe Stadium rocking!
Jordan Fisher brought down the house with his insane vocal range and falsetto in his debut single, “All About Us.” He can SING. AAKD has a knack for booking young talents before they make it big, and we say look out for much more from Jordan!
The Hess Festival Stage on the grounds hosted performances from up and coming singers like Citizen Føur, Los 5, and Tegan Marie. Citizen Føur nailed their performance, throwing in some amazing dance moves. Tegan Marie’s powerful vocals carried through the grounds. You’ll definitely be hearing more from these two!
Didn’t make it out to AAKD? Tune in to ABC on Sunday, August 28th at 2PM to catch all the music and tennis highlights from the stadium show!
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