Seven young tennis players from underserved communities in Miami Gardens, Brooklyn and East Palo Alto took the court at Arthur Ashe Stadium on Monday to rally with Grand Slam veteran John Isner, as part of a community programme run by Emirates and the USTA Foundation.

The players were nominated by the USTA Foundation based on their playing ability as well as their standing as students, leaders and volunteers in their communities, according to Emirates, the event organiser and a longtime sponsor of the US Open.

The three communities have been supported by Emirates' "Force for Good" initiative, a partnership with the USTA Foundation that has funded court refurbishments in under-resourced neighbourhoods over the past three years.

Emirates said Monday's clinic marked the first time young players from different Force for Good communities came together for a joint event.

Emirates cabin crew attended the session, handing out tennis gear to each participant, and the players had the opportunity for autographs and photos with Isner. The airline also opened the event to additional young fans and their families.

Emirates has been the official airline partner of the US Open for 15 years.

Source: PR