Lexington Hosts First ‘Mini Pro-Am’ Tournament

Lexington, Kentucky. (FOX 56 by Hannah Jackson) — “It’s just amazing. They don’t get days like this all the time. But to see them light up, you know, to swing a racket and hit a ball Back and forth,” said Dr. Cliff Lowdenback, with White Greer Maggard Orthodontics.

According to organizers, the 2024 Lexington Challenger is a professional tennis tournament featuring men’s and women’s events to highlight rising stars.

Friday, the pros competing opened the tournament a little differently, as Kentucky Children’s Hospital patients faced off against the pros, playing in what officials called Lexington’s first “mini pro-am.”

“We actually have kids that have been treated at the hospital and some of their siblings out here playing with the professional tennis players and some of the kids from the U.K. tennis program. And so, it’s given those kids a chance to enjoy themselves and smile. And, you know, of course, we believe in the power of a smile. So, it’s great to see some of these smiles out here this morning as they play tennis and also eat some donuts,” said Lowdenback.

Organizers of the event said the mini pro-am aims to highlight the work being done at the hospital as well as provide a healthy outlet for its patients.

John Backer, President of Lexington Challenger Tennis Charity, said, “I mean, this is so cool to see this activity. These kids that have been treated at the hospital to be exposed to this game, some of them never had a tennis racket in their hands. You know, we had a young man. I’m going to guess he’s about 12 years old. It was just sitting with Liam Drexel. You know, he didn’t even know who Liam Drexel is, but he played for the University of Kentucky and now he’s on the pro tour. And it was just such a joy to watch those guys play.”

But 7-year-old Cate Cook said it wasn’t all fun and games, she came to win.

“And we just like playing tennis against people. I just like playing tennis. It feels great and special. so, I like to play against pros instead of like other people,” said Cate Cook, Pro-am mini competitor.

Those who attended Friday’s event said they hope to make the mini pro-am an annual tradition.