CINCINNATI, Ohio—College student Russell Lokko thought he was simply getting a meet-and-greet with Frances Tiafoe, a player he grew up watching, at the Cincinnati Open. Instead, the rising junior and standout tennis student-athlete at the University of Louisville received the surprise of a lifetime—a $30,000 scholarship over two years through the USTA Foundation’s Frances Tiafoe Fund.

Tiafoe delivered the news—and a giant check—while Lokko was opening a gift bag from the player’s sponsors, including Lululemon, La Roche-Posay and Clif Bar, during a behind-the-scenes experience at the Lindner Family Tennis Center. The moment, captured on video and shared widely, highlighted the intersection of professional tennis, philanthropy, and community support.

“I’m super excited, and I’m really blessed that Frances gave me this check,” Lokko said. “It’s going to take a lot off my parents, and it’s going to help me stay focused on what I want to do in college. I had no idea that he was going to give me this money… Growing up, Frances has always been a role model for me, so to get it directly from him is unbelievable.”

The award will help cover the gap in scholarship funding so Lokko can continue his education at Louisville, where he balances rigorous academic coursework with a demanding tennis schedule. For Lokko, a native of Trenton, New Jersey, the scholarship represents more than financial relief—it validates years of dedication to the sport and education.

A Shared Background Through NJTL

Lokko grew up playing tennis at the NJTL of Trenton, a community organization within the USTA Foundation’s National Junior Tennis & Learning (NJTL) network—the same network that supported Tiafoe’s early training at the Junior Tennis Champions Center (JTCC) in his hometown of College Park, Maryland. This common thread creates a powerful narrative: the NJTL system, founded in 1969 by Arthur Ashe, Charlie Pasarell, and Sheridan Snyder, has produced generations of players and leaders. Today, more than 270 organizations nationwide use tennis and education to prepare young people from under-resourced communities for the challenges and opportunities of life.

“To see how ecstatic he was, and being able to take care of his junior and senior year is a huge deal, man,” Tiafoe said. “The son of immigrants… I’ve been in that seat. I know how it is, and the struggle for him to be able to do that. If he gets a little push by me, and me being one percent of the reason why he’s gonna become the man he’s gonna be is incredible. That’s why I created this fund within the USTA Foundation, to be able to do great things like that.”

Tiafoe, whose parents immigrated from Sierra Leone, has often spoken about his own childhood challenges. His father worked as a custodian at the JTCC, and young Frances spent countless hours on the courts, honing skills that would later make him a top-20 ATP player. The Frances Tiafoe Fund, established in 2021, aims to provide scholarships and grants to NJTL participants, continuing a cycle of giving that Tiafoe believes is essential.

The Cincinnati Experience

During his visit to the Cincinnati Open, Lokko met Tiafoe, watched his practice, and shadowed him around the tournament grounds—building a mentor-mentee relationship along the way. For Lokko, the experience went beyond the scholarship; it offered a window into the life of a professional athlete. He observed Tiafoe’s preparation, recovery routines, and interactions with sponsors and fans.

“I was super excited about (the idea from USTA), because I get to meet somebody who I know looks up to me and be able to bless him along the way,” Tiafoe said. “It was an incredible experience, and I was even nervous about it today! I wanted everything to go smoothly and in the right way.”

On Saturday night, Lokko capped off the experience in the ultimate way—watching Tiafoe win 6-4, 6-3 under the lights against Roberto Carballes Baena from the best seat in the house: courtside in Tiafoe’s player box alongside his team. The victory was one of several for Tiafoe during the tournament, where he advanced to later rounds and showcased the electric style that has made him a fan favorite.

Impact on College Tennis and Scholarship Gaps

The $30,000 scholarship addresses a critical issue in college athletics: the gap between full scholarship offers and actual costs. At Division I universities like Louisville, tennis scholarships are often partial, and student-athletes must cover remaining tuition, room, board, and expenses through financial aid, work, or family contributions. Lokko’s story highlights how external support can ease that burden, allowing athletes to focus on academics and competition.

“For me, this scholarship means I can stop worrying about how to pay for my last two years,” Lokko said. “I can put all my energy into tennis and my studies without feeling like I’m a burden.” His parents, both immigrants from Ghana, work hard to support the family’s dreams. Lokko hopes to graduate with a degree in business and maybe pursue professional tennis or coaching.

The USTA Foundation, which administers the Frances Tiafoe Fund, has distributed millions in scholarships over the years, supporting students from NJTL programs nationwide. Past recipients include players who have gone on to collegiate championships, as well as those who have used tennis as a springboard to careers in medicine, law, and education.

Tiafoe’s Rise and Philanthropic Vision

Frances Tiafoe burst onto the global scene in 2022 when he defeated Rafael Nadal at the US Open, reaching the semifinals—the first American man to do so since Andy Roddick in 2006. His engaging personality and powerful baseline game have made him a mainstay on the ATP Tour, with multiple titles and a career-high ranking of No. 10. But Tiafoe has never forgotten his roots. He regularly donates to youth tennis programs, participates in exhibition matches for charity, and uses his platform to advocate for diversity in the sport.

The Frances Tiafoe Fund is just one piece of his philanthropic ecosystem. He also supports the JTCC’s outreach initiatives, provides equipment to underfunded programs, and mentors young players from similar backgrounds. Tiafoe’s message to Lokko—and to all young athletes—is one of perseverance and gratitude. “Keep working,” he said. “There’s always someone watching, and someone willing to help.”

Broader Implications for Tennis Access

The scholarship also underscores the importance of organizations like the USTA Foundation and NJTL in democratizing tennis. Traditionally perceived as an expensive sport, tennis often creates barriers for low-income families. By providing coaching, academic support, and financial assistance, NJTL programs level the playing field. Lokko’s journey—from public courts in Trenton to a Division I scholarship, and now a surprise award from a top professional—embodies the best of what these programs can achieve.

For current NJTL participants, Lokko’s story offers a tangible example of what’s possible. “When I saw Frances on TV, I thought, ‘That could be me,'” Lokko said. “And now, having him invest in me, I want to do the same for the next kid.”

Tiafoe, meanwhile, plans to continue expanding the fund, hoping to increase both the number and amount of scholarships in the coming years. “There are so many Russell Lokkos out there,” Tiafoe said. “We have to find them and lift them up.”

Source: Tennis.com News