Autistic athletes compete at U.S. Open program

By Lauren Campbell 15/09/2026 2 min read 20 views

The U.S. Open hosted a distinctive event this year, featuring young athletes with autism competing in a tailored sports initiative. Organized by the U.S. Tennis Association (USTA) and Love Serving Autism, the program incorporated tennis, pickleball, and padel to address developmental, physical, and communication needs. Alongside coaches, speech, occupational, physical, and behavioral therapists collaborated to enhance motor skills, social interaction, and self-assurance—the hope is that the skills developed by participants on the court will stick with them after they leave.

Lexi Fendelle, a 22-year-old participant, described how the program strengthened her sense of capability. “It helps me know that you can do anything that you put your mind to,” she stated. The initiative was established by Lisa Pugliese-LaCroix, a former professional tennis player and certified speech-language pathologist with autism expertise. She created it to serve the needs of her existing patients, and its influence has expanded steadily. “Some of our athletes have been with us for nearly 10 years, and it’s so wonderful to see the impact in their life,” Pugliese-LaCroix said.

Since its launch in 2017, Love Serving Autism now operates at 77 locations across the U.S. and abroad. In the past year, participation reached over 6,000 individuals, including a 3-year-old athlete. Funding comes from private contributions and grants, with the USTA serving as a key partner. Their shared mission provides opportunities for participants who are often excluded from mainstream activities.

Autism impacts roughly 1 in 31 children over age eight in the U.S., per the Centers for Disease Control. While many cases arise independently, some stem from genetic disorders. Pugliese-LaCroix highlighted the emotional benefits: “The joy they show on the court, smiling and laughing. Some of them are now verbal and talking and they love tennis. This is their family.”