USTA to Pay $9 Million in Damages After Jury Verdict in Sexual Abuse Case

The US Tennis Association faces a significant financial penalty following a jury's decision, highlighting the need for better athlete protection.

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.