Match Point Canada: S5, E8 – MaliVai Washington

This week on Match Point Canada, Ben and Mike welcome 1996 Wimbledon finalist MaliVai Washington to the podcast.

Over the course of his professional career, Washington won four titles on the ATP, was an Olympian at the 1996 Atlanta Summer Games, represented the United States at the Davis Cup on numerous occasions and reached a career-high ranking of No. 11. He was also named ATP Rookie of the Year in 1990.

Since his playing days ended, Washington has focused his efforts on the MaliVai Washington Youth Foundation to give kids in Jacksonville, Florida the opportunity to focus on improving their education opportunities as well as their life skills.

“It’s me not feeling the responsibility as an athlete but just feeling the responsibility as a citizen of my community to try to do something,” said Washington about this very personal project of his. “For me, working with kids is something I’m passionate about whether it’s getting on the tennis court or just talking with them or engaging with them. I’m a big believer in exposing kids to different experiences and leading by example.”

Read also: MaliVai Washington continues to inspire

After their inspiring conversation with Washington, Ben and Mike discuss a third consecutive ATP title for the suddenly resurgent Daniil Medvedev, a first loss in 2023 for Novak Djokovic and a fourth career WTA trophy for Donna Vekic in Monterrey.

Listen to our newest episode of Match Point Canada, available on Megaphone, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify below. Enjoy!