Game, set, smile: Pediatric patients face off against pros at Lexington Open mini pro-am

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Aug. 3, 2026) — Last week, athletes from around the world arrived in Lexington to compete in the Lexington Open, a tournament that attracts the game’s emerging top talent. Players size up the competition, looking for advantages to help them level up. But they know not to underestimate their fiercest — and cutest — opponents: the patients at Golisano Children’s at UK. 

Between daily matches on the courts of UK’s Hilary J. Boone Tennis Center and sponsored by White, Greer & Maggard Orthodontics, the mini pro-am, now in its third year, is a chance for patients at UK Golisano Children’s to face off against UK athletes and tennis pros. Here, these pint-sized players can feel like regular kids and not patients. They get guidance and encouragement from some of the best tennis players around, who revel in the opportunity to play in a match where no one keeps score or even knows the rules of the game. 

“The best part of this event is seeing kids discover what they’re capable of,” said John Backer, president of the Lexington Open. “Some are picking up a racket for the very first time, and by the end, you can see that spark — maybe this is a sport they’ll want to keep playing. The pros love it, too. We’re here to run a world-class tennis tournament, but moments like this, when we can give back to the hospital and create a fun experience for these kids, are what make it truly special.” 

On the court, 9-year-old Noah and his sisters kept the pros on their toes with their unpredictable serves. Four-year-old Maisie swung her racket, laughing as her sisters ran around the court, chasing errant balls. No one kept score, but somehow everyone won.

"The kids are really sweet, and very motivated to play," said Julia Zhu, a senior on UK women's tennis team. "They're out here, having fun and there's no pressure. It makes me very happy."

“Events like this show the power of community partnerships,” said Scottie B. Day, M.D., physician-in-chief for UK Golisano Children’s and vice president of children’s health for UK HealthCare. “This tournament does more than just support our hospital. These players are giving our patients the chance to be active, feel included and simply enjoy being kids. Our hope is that these children — and the thousands of other children we care for — know they are supported by a community that believes in them. We’re grateful to the Lexington Open for making this event possible, as well as their ongoing commitment to our patients.” 

First held in 1995, the Lexington Open, formerly the Lexington Challenger, is a combination of the ATP Challenger Tour and ITF Women’s Tennis Tour and attracts emerging talent and established players vying for ranking points and prize money. The tournament provides a platform for rising stars to showcase their skills and compete against seasoned competitors. With its competitive atmosphere and enthusiastic local support, the Lexington Open is a key fixture in the tennis calendar, contributing to the growth and development of the sport. 

This is the third year that the Lexington Open has benefited UK Golisano Children’s. The tournament continues through Aug. 9. Tickets and volunteer opportunities are available.