Center Court, Center Stage

I’ll be honest—tennis was never my sport. I took it in college just to check off a health requirement, and my lack of hand-eye coordination quickly proved I wasn’t headed for any winning matches. Still, I’ve always enjoyed watching the big tournaments now and then—the French Open, Wimbledon, the U.S. Open.

But when a family member works on the team behind the Mubadala Citi DC Open—a major professional tennis tournament in Washington, D.C.—watching isn’t optional. It’s a must.

History, Heart, and Hard Courts
The Mubadala Citi DC Open dates back to 1969, when Arthur Ashe, Donald Dell, and John A. Harris co-founded the tournament in Washington, D.C. From the start, it’s been one of a kind—played every year in Rock Creek Park, making it the longest-running pro tennis tournament in the world held in a public park.

Arthur Ashe played here 11 times, winning the title in 1973. A pioneer on and off the court, he broke barriers as the first Black man to win both the U.S. Open and Wimbledon. Beyond tennis, Ashe was a passionate advocate for civil rights and public health, using his platform to fight apartheid and raise awareness about HIV/AIDS after contracting the virus from a blood transfusion.

Over the decades, the D.C. courts have crowned legends: Andre Agassi (a record five titles), Chris Evert, Martina Navratilova, Jimmy Connors, Venus and Serena Williams, and many more.

Age Is Just a Number
My favorite match? Hands down, Venus Williams. At 45, she stepped onto the court and played—well, like Venus Williams. She took down world No. 35 Peyton Stearns in straight sets (6-3, 6-4), blasting nine aces in her first tour-level singles match in 16 months. Her break from competition had been partly due to a long-term health battle with fibroids.

But the real shocker came after the match—when Venus casually explained why she returned to competition:
“I had to come back for the insurance. They informed me earlier this year—I’m on COBRA.”

For those who don’t know, COBRA is an expensive  program that lets you keep your employer health coverage for a limited time after losing a job or having your hours cut—but you have to pay the full cost yourself. Then she added with a smile, “I got to get my benefits on! Started training.”

The crowd roared with laughter, but I just sat there in shock. Did Venus Williams really just talk about health insurance at center court?

Game, Set, and Health Coverage
When asked later if she truly came back for the insurance, Venus made it clear—she was kidding. Still, her follow-up was striking:

“Nobody wants to be on COBRA, right? … Healthcare is so important—being able to see the right and the best doctors for whatever you’re going through. I had that opportunity because I had insurance. Without that, the bills are quite hefty. It’s a serious issue.”

Venus can afford her care, but millions of Americans can’t. For many, coverage hinges on employment—and losing a job can mean losing access to doctors, treatments, and medications. Even COBRA, designed as a safety net, often comes with sticker-shock premiums that put it out of reach.

Her lighthearted moment ended up spotlighting one of the most pressing issues today: healthcare coverage. Whether you’re a tennis legend or an everyday patient, coverage matters.

Game, Set, Coverage—But the Match Isn’t Over
With employer-sponsored and Affordable Care Act plan premiums set to spike in 2026, looming Medicaid cuts, and slower job growth limiting workplace coverage, Americans face a sobering reality: health coverage is more fragile than ever.

Venus’s return at 45 wasn’t just a triumph of skill and persistence—it was also an unexpected reminder that access to care isn’t a luxury. In tennis, “love” means zero. But in life, love means having the healthcare coverage you need to keep playing the game.
Happy reading,

Suzanne Daniels

Enjoy the weekend!

Best,
Suzanne
Suzanne Daniels, Ph.D.
AEPC President
P.O. Box 1416
Birmingham, MI 48012
Office: (248) 792-2187
Email: [email protected]

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