Our U.S. Open Tournament Picks: The Tennis Sustainability Report

Our 2025 U.S. Open Tournament Picks for Sustainability 

As the world’s eyes turn to the 2025 US Open, it’s clear that this year’s competition isn’t just about power serves and match points, it’s also about purpose. A growing number of tennis players are using their platforms to lead the charge on sustainable living and environmental awareness. From current contenders like Ben Shelton and Zizou Bergs to legends like Billie Jean King and Rafael Nadal, these athletes are proving that the future of tennis can, and should be, greener.

Mackenzie McDonald 

Mackenzie McDonald is one of our top picks for tennis players making a meaningful impact on environmental sustainability. He was named the most climate-conscious player on the ATP’s Carbon Tracker leaderboard for 2023 by offsetting emissions from his tournament trips. His ATP Carbon Tracker donation to Greenaction for Health and Environmental Justice is not only helping reduce pollution and climate change impacts in San Francisco’s Bayview Hunters Point, it’s also empowering the next generation through a youth environmental leadership academy. By combining climate action with community empowerment, Mackenzie McDonald exemplifies how athletes can drive change globally and locally.

Ben Shelton 

Ben Shelton stands out as a rising force in both tennis and environmental leadership. As a top performer in the 2023 and 2024 ATP Carbon Tracker program, he directed his donation to High Impact Athletes’ Environmental Portfolio. This supports the most effective climate initiatives focused on emissions reduction, clean air and sustainable agriculture. Ben Shelton’s thoughtful approach to giving shows his commitment to maximizing real-world impact, making him a standout role model for the next generation of athletes and changemakers.

Cameron Norrie 

Cameron Norrie is a standout example of how professional athletes can create lasting environmental and social impact. Through the ATP Carbon Tracker program, he directed a large donation to Sported, a UK charity that empowers grassroots sports clubs to become more sustainable and better support young people. Cameron Norrie’s focus on helping the next generation, both by promoting access to sports and supporting local clubs in reducing their environmental footprint, highlights his role as a thoughtful and impactful leader both on and off the court.

Zizou Bergs 

Zizou Bergs has quickly become one of the most impactful voices for sustainability. By topping the 2024 ATP Carbon Tracker leaderboard, he’s backed up his climate commitment with real action by routinely reusing gear and recycling clothing. He also directed his share of the ATP Carbon Tracker prize pool to three high-impact environmental nonprofits: Clean Air Task Force, which works globally to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through policy innovation and clean energy solutions; The Ocean Cleanup, which develops advanced technologies to remove plastic pollution from oceans and rivers; and Tennis Vlaanderen, a Belgian organization promoting sustainable practices and accessibility in tennis. What makes Zizou Bergs especially inspiring is that he's leading this movement not from the top of the rankings, but as a rising player proving that climate leadership isn’t reserved for superstars, it’s for anyone willing to act with purpose.

Naomi Osaka 

Naomi Osaka stands out for her strong commitment to both environmental sustainability and community well-being. She has led efforts to refurbish public tennis courts in Queens and revitalize green spaces, making the sport more accessible to future generations. Beyond infrastructure, she’s been a vocal advocate for eco-conscious practices like using reusable bottles at events and supporting sustainable tournament operations. Naomi Osaka has also partnered with several major brands to champion environmental responsibility, including collaborations that promote sustainable fashion, reduce plastic waste and encourage more mindful choices within the sports and lifestyle industries.

Novak Djokovic 

Novak Djokovic follows a meticulously curated plant-based, gluten‑ and dairy‑free diet, not only to enhance recovery and performance, but also for ethical and environmental reasons. Off the court, Djokovic has championed the reduction of single-use plastics by partnering with and investing in waterdrop® to promote reusable hydration at the US Open. Novak Djokovic also helped the tournament join New York City’s Plant‑Powered Carbon Challenge, aiming for a 25 % cut in food-related emissions by 2030. His efforts reflect a holistic commitment to sustainability that goes far beyond the baseline.

The Hall of Fame of Sustainable Tennis Players 

While they may no longer be competing in the US Open, these legendary players continue to make their mark off the court through powerful environmental advocacy and sustainable initiatives. From building green facilities to championing climate-conscious organizations, they’ve proven that their commitment to excellence extends far beyond match play. Their lasting impact on the planet and the sport earns them a well-deserved place in our Hall of Fame of Sustainable Tennis Players. 

Dominic Thiem 

Dominic Thiem won the 2020 US Open title and has reached three other Grand Slam finals throughout his career. He is also making waves off the court with his deep commitment to environmental sustainability. From ocean conservation to clean energy, Thiem supports impactful initiatives like 4ocean and the World Wildlife Fund and has partnered with Adidas on gear made from recycled ocean plastic. He founded Thiem Energy to provide affordable renewable energy in Austria and created Thiem View, a sustainable sunglasses brand with biodegradable frames. Through these ventures, Dominic Thiem proves that athletes can lead the charge toward a cleaner, greener future.

Serena Williams 

Serena Williams is one of the most successful players in US Open history and has won the tournament six times. With a 108–15 match record, she has the most match wins of any woman to compete in the tournament. While she’s a true champion on the court, her off-court dedication to environmental sustainability is also commendable. Williams has championed sustainable, ethical fashion through her “S by Serena” line, featuring vegan leather garments and eco‑friendly materials. Serena’s partnership with Nike led to the creation of the Serena Williams Building. The building is LEED Platinum–certified, the highest standard for environmental design, and features energy efficiency, recycled building materials, and wetland restoration. The building also incorporates daylight-optimized design and energy-efficient systems to lower its carbon footprint. Serena’s efforts prove that greatness isn’t limited to tennis, it can shape a more sustainable future too.

Rafael Nadal 

Rafael Nadal has won the US Open four times and has a total of 22 Grand Slam titles. Nadal has taken concrete steps toward sustainability both on and off the court. His Rafa Nadal Academy in Mallorca recently added over 1,800 solar panels, cutting its annual energy use by about 25% and reinforcing its commitment to renewable energy. Off the court, he’s stepped into marine conservation by joining the all-electric E1 World Championship, launching “Team Rafa” to advance clean mobility and coastal ecosystem restoration through the E1 Series’ Blue Action Program. Additionally, through the Rafa Nadal Foundation, Raphael Nadal has engaged in sustainability-focused forums like Spain’s Sports Sustainability Summit, aligning grassroots sports development with environmental goals.

Billie Jean King 

Billie Jean King is a tennis legend with an impressive legacy at the US Open, where she won four singles titles, five women’s doubles titles and one mixed doubles title. Her impact, however, extends far beyond the court. King has been a driving force behind the USTA’s sustainability initiatives, helping to implement green practices like composting, energy-efficient lighting and LEED-certified buildings at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. Through her leadership, she’s shown that championing the planet and equity in sport go hand-in-hand.

Velociti Is Creating a More Sustainable Future for Tennis 

Just like the inspiring tennis athletes using their platforms to champion environmental causes, Velociti is weaving sustainability into the fabric of the game. Our launch of Velociti Catalyst, the world’s first fully biodegradable synthetic tennis string, marked a seismic shift—empowering the tennis community to reduce waste with every shot. Made with Velociti-Bio technology, both Velociti Catalyst and NEH Bio strings decompose up to 100x faster in landfills, breaking down in just 3-5 years (compared to the centuries typical synthetic strings take to decompose). We deliver this eco-friendly technology without compromising performance, offering a premium playing experience. To extend our environmental impact, Velociti also plants one tree for every 10 sets of Catalyst or NEH Bio strings sold.

Our mission goes beyond performance; we’re committed to innovation that protects the planet while delivering the high-quality products players demand. Our commitment to the future of tennis and the planet aligns perfectly with the values of the athletes featured in this blog—champions who understand that real success includes safeguarding the world we play in. Ready to make a sustainable swing? Learn more about our eco-friendly Catalyst and NEH Bio biodegradable string here. 

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