LOS ANGELES -- Mackenzie McDonald, who starred for the UCLA men's tennis team from 2013 through 2016 before turning professional, was one of two players honored with a $100,000 grant as part of the inaugural Oracle US Tennis Awards. The grant, presented in a ceremony at the BNP Paribas Open by Oracle Corp. CEO Mark Hurd, is intended to assist young players as they transition from college into the professional ranks. Former Virginia player Danielle Collins also received the award.
"It means a lot to me," McDonald said. "Now I feel like I can't have any financial restrictions when it comes to traveling and playing and getting what I need. I can probably get better strength and conditioning and eat better, go to every tournament I can play."
The Piedmont, Calif. native and three-time Singles All-American had a stellar junior season in 2015-16. McDonald was named the 2016 Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) National Men's College Player of the Year after being crowned both NCAA Singles Champion and NCAA Doubles Champion, which he accomplished alongside current UCLA junior Martin Redlicki.
"What a tremendous honor and privilege it is for Mackie to be the first recipient of Oracle Tennis grant to assist in the transition from collegiate to professional tennis, said UCLA men's tennis coach Billy Martin. "Mark Hurd and Oracle have elevated the sport of college tennis and see it as a true pathway to the pro arena. This grant will really help the future have proper resources to make this step."
"We are proud of Mackie and excited to watch his development and growth as he pursues his dream of being a professional tennis player."
McDonald, who is currently ranked a career-high No. 245 on the ATP World Tour, echoed Martin's gratitude for Oracle. "It means a lot that Oracle can get behind me [with] Mark Hurd. I think that their belief gives me confidence in my game, too. Just going to keep working hard."
Also present at the announcement was tennis Hall-of-Famer Chris Evert, who is one of six members of the newly-created Oracle US Tennis Awards Advisory Council. Evert is joined on the council by fellow Grand Slam veterans Ilana Kloss, Peggy Michel and Todd Martin, as well as ITA CEO Dr. Timothy Russell and USTA Player Development general manager Martin Blackman. The ITA will administer the grants.