Overview

• Kylie McKenzie, a former tennis prodigy, was awarded $9 million by a Florida federal jury for damages resulting from sexual abuse by her coach.
• The lawsuit accused the USTA of failing to safeguard McKenzie at its training facility, leading to punitive and compensatory damages.
• USTA plans to appeal the verdict, arguing it sets a challenging precedent for victim reporting in sports.
• The case has sparked calls for systemic changes within the USTA to prioritize athlete safety and transparency.
• Legal experts suggest the award of punitive damages sends a strong message to sports organizations about their duties to protect athletes.