Wilmette Kids Tennis Group Takes The Court At U.S. Open 2025

WILMETTE, IL — The dreams of a group of young tennis players from Wilmette were realized when they stepped foot on the court at the 2025 U.S. Open in front of gathered crowds.

The Wilmette Tennis Club and its manager Jason Stanislaw were invited to play on the world-famous USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York City on Sunday, Aug. 31. Stanislaw, who has played tennis for about 50 years, said it was a completely new feeling for him.

Walking into the arena, awe was apparent on the kids' faces as it sank in what they were about to be a part of. For about 15 minutes, the group of 24 young tennis players got to rally back and forth on one of tennis' biggest stages.

"The energy was palpable," Stanislaw told Patch. "They could tell they did something not like anything else they've ever done."

After the group got off the court, they were able to watch matches and roam the tournament grounds, even catching women's champion Aryna Sabalenka on the practice courts. A couple of the Wilmette players even got Naomi Osaka to sign a ball for them when they ran into her.

When the group came home, friends at school pressed them for information about what their experience was like. To Stanislaw, it was clear the U.S. open visit left a real impact on the young players, who returned to practices with a renewed energy and excitement for the sport.