Labour MP Marsha de Cordova hails growth of Tennis Black List Awards

Member of Parliament for Battersea Marsha de Cordova was delighted to receive another opportunity to support the 2025 Tennis Black List Awards.

De Cordova has previously attended the inaugural edition of the bespoke ceremony and made a return to this year’s edition of the awards, presented in association with Dante Talent and held during the HSBC Championships at The Queen’s Club, London on the 11th of June, supported by the LTA.

MP for Battersea since 2017, de Cordova admits she didn’t have to think twice about making the short trip to West Kensington to support a cause so close to her heart.

She said: “I’ve had the real privilege of being part of the inaugural Tennis Black List Awards a few years ago so to be back here this year is amazing.

“To see how it has grown from strength to strength makes me so excited for what the future holds going forward.

“It’s incredibly important to celebrate black excellence. Representation and diversity really matter, and we recognise black folks in many other spheres like football so why not tennis?”

Tennis Black List is the global celebration of Black and mixed black excellence across the game — spotlighting the unsung, the visionary and the next generation of changemakers.

Taking place in the run up to The Championships at Wimbledon, the Tennis Black List recognises the contributions of individuals and organisations from grassroots level up to the professional game in Britain and internationally.

It follows the example set by the successful and respected Football Black List, created by Leon Mann MBE and Rodney Hinds, and Rugby Black List which have demonstrated the power that celebrating black excellence can achieve in sport.

The event was an opportunity to inspire the next generation in the tennis community, with the commitment shown by the winners on and off the court, including the legendary Arthur Ashe, who was honoured with the Icon award for his tireless efforts in advocating for social justice, racial equality, and HIV/AIDS awareness.

Awards were handed out in ten categories across the evening at the ceremony, with several recipients present at The Queen’s Club.

De Cordova added:  “For me, it’s wonderful to see people given their flowers in so many areas, whether that’s in coaching or being a rising star and honouring the icon that is Arthur Ashe is quite special.

“He was a humanitarian, a civil rights leader and called for inclusivity. He won Wimbledon at a time where he was one of very few black faces so all of the work he has done off the court has paid off.

“We stand on the shoulders of greats like him.”

Founders Anne-Marie Batson and Richard Sackey Addo said: “This movement is about legacy. Tennis Black List is creating space for Black and mixed-black heritage excellence to be seen, honoured and remembered across all areas of tennis. We are building a global legacy that makes space for what is next.”

Launched in 2022; Tennis Black List is the only global platform dedicated to celebrating and documenting Black and mixed-black impact in tennis — from grassroots organisers to elite players. A movement rooted in recognition, legacy, and cultural celebration.