Madisen's Match: A 15-Year Journey of Hope, Tennis, and Giving
In 2009, when Madisen’s Match was first conceived after my niece was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor, I had no idea what the future would hold. We didn’t know how my niece’s diagnosis would unfold, or what the event would look like. All I knew was that I wanted to use the game of tennis to raise funds for children facing the same struggles that my niece had to endure.
Fortunately, my niece is now 20 years old and pursuing a career in nursing—an incredible testimony to her strength and resilience. Over the past 15 years, Madisen’s Match has grown in ways I never could have imagined. What began as a small tennis event has blossomed into a community-driven fundraiser that has raised over $1.3 million for cancer treatment programs at The Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida.
The event has evolved significantly. We’ve added a Gala and Auction, and what started as a small exhibition at a country club has grown into one of the most successful charity tennis exhibitions in the region, attracting thousands of people each year. But the heart of Madisen’s Match has always been about helping kids battling cancer—kids like my niece.
Over the years, we’ve had the honor of hosting some of the biggest names in professional tennis, including the Bryan Brothers, Taylor Fritz, Tommy Paul, Genie Bouchard, and many more. Most people recognize Madisen’s Match as being hosted at the Suncoast Credit Union Arena at Florida SouthWestern State College (FSW). The venue was ideal—large enough to accommodate a growing audience, but still intimate enough to create a memorable experience. It was a venue that we envisioned hosting the event for years to come.
To support the event’s long-term sustainability, we invested in a portable tennis court surface. The court, which resembled a hard tennis surface, could be rolled up into 23, 10-foot sections and stored in a facility in Sarasota. This purchase allowed us to save on rental costs and even rent the court to other events, making it a financially sound decision for the future of Madisen’s Match.
In 2020, we were on the cusp of what was shaping up to be our most successful event yet. Sponsorships were at an all-time high, ticket sales were trending toward a sell-out, and our talent lineup was top-notch. Then, in the blink of an eye, the COVID-19 pandemic turned everything upside down. The decision to cancel the event was heartbreaking, but ultimately, it was the right choice.
We were excited to return to the FSW Arena in 2022, only to face yet another setback—Hurricane Ian. The storm devastated Southwest Florida, and our storage facility in Sarasota, where the portable court was housed, was severely damaged by flooding. The court was a total loss.
Despite the challenges, we remain committed to continuing the mission of Madisen’s Match. We are thrilled to announce that in 2025, Madisen’s Match will be returning to The Landings Yacht, Golf and Tennis Club. The Landings has always been a close partner, hosting the event for many years and supporting us through every change. Their members have stood by us, and we are incredibly grateful for their continued support.
The Landings provides the perfect venue for our Pro Tennis Classic exhibition. While seating will be limited to 500 on the Stadium Court, this more intimate setting offers fans an exclusive experience to watch some of the best current and former professional tennis players up close. It’s a chance to enjoy top-tier tennis while supporting a cause that is near and dear to all of us.
We invite you to join us for this exciting weekend of tennis and giving—an unforgettable opportunity to make a difference in the lives of children fighting cancer. Let’s come together, as a community, to continue the mission of Madisen’s Match and help kids in need.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Madisen’s Match Pros: Where Are They Now?
The stars of Madisen’s Match have made their mark on the tennis world, and many continue to thrive in their careers. Here's a look at where some of the most memorable names from the event are now:
Bob and Mike Bryan:
Inductees to the International Tennis Hall of Fame
The Bryan Brothers, widely regarded as the greatest doubles team of all time, have been part of Madisen’s Match for three years—2018, 2019, and 2022. Next summer, Bob and Mike will take their place in tennis history as they are inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame.
Bob Bryan has stayed closely connected to American tennis, taking on the role of U.S. Davis Cup Team Captain. As the team prepares for the final rounds in late November, you can follow Bob and the team as they continue to represent the U.S. on the global stage.
Taylor Fritz:
Top Ranked American Player
When Taylor Fritz first joined Madisen’s Match in 2019, he was on the rise in the ATP rankings, showing promise and talent. Fast forward to today, and Taylor is not only the top-ranked American player but is firmly entrenched in the ATP Top 10. As one of the most consistent performers on tour, Taylor is closing in on capturing his first Grand Slam title, with many predicting that it's only a matter of time before he achieves that milestone.
Tommy Paul:
Rising Star in the Top 20
Tommy Paul made his Madisen’s Match debut in 2022, and since then, he’s shown impressive progress on the ATP Tour. With a string of strong performances and several titles under his belt in 2024, Tommy’s ranking has steadily climbed inside the ATP Top 20. With his game maturing and his confidence growing, Tommy is poised to continue building on his success in the years to come.
Reilly Opelka:
Comeback Kid on the Rise
Joining Madisen’s Match alongside Tommy Paul in 2022, Reilly Opelka was a fan favorite thanks to his towering 6'11" frame and powerful serve. After dealing with multiple injuries and a nearly two-year hiatus from the sport, Reilly is back on tour and working hard to regain his top form. Fans are excited to see the big-serving American back on the court, and with his eyes set on reaching new heights, there are high hopes for Reilly's resurgence in 2024 and beyond.
