Welcome to the MTG newsletter—your courtside download for what’s happening on (and slightly off) the court. Expect upcoming events, special programs, and member spotlights… plus the occasional unforced error we’ll pretend was strategic.
Summer 2026
MTG is powered by its members, so we're shining a spotlight on the people who make our community special. Each newsletter, we'll feature one member's tennis journey, life off the court, and a few fun questions along the way.
When did you join MTG, and what brought you to the club?
I joined in Jan. 2015, after DECADES of being away from tennis. I wanted to get back into it, and to meet new people around the City.
What's your favorite part about being an MTG member?
Besides making incredible long-time friends, playing in different venues around the City.
Who is your favorite tennis player (or your tennis crush)?
Coco Gauff, Taylor Townsend, Daria Kasatkina
What's your signature shot?
“Signature shot” is a bit over-blown but I hit a one-handed backhand.
What's one piece of advice you'd give to someone joining MTG for the first time?
Hit with EVERYONE – any age, any gender, any skill level. You’ll make great friends and your tennis will improve dramatically.
MTG members returned from the 2026 Gay Games in Valencia, Spain with 10 medals, proudly representing our community at the first Gay Games ever held in Spain and the Mediterranean region. More than 10,200 athletes from 81 countries competed across 37 sports, making this a truly unforgettable celebration of LGBTQ+ sport.
Gold
Silver
Bronze
Congratulations to all of our competitors for representing MTG with pride, sportsmanship, and excellence on the international stage.
Read the full recap and view photos from Valencia
The 2026 Liberty Open welcomed more than 150 players to New York City for a weekend of outstanding tennis, community, and connection. Hosted at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, players competed in 198 matches across 15 singles and doubles events, reaffirming the Liberty Open's place as one of the GLTA Tour's premier tournaments.
Beyond the competition, the weekend featured a conversation with tennis historian and The Open Era author Edward Schmit, hosted by comedian Chaka Khanvict, electrifying performances by Jason A. Rodriguez & the Vogue Troupe, and the unforgettable Love All Ball, led by ballroom icon Kevin Jz Prodigy. The tournament also raised funds to support The Trevor Project.
Tournament Director Kevin Ko reflects on the experience:
"The Banquet was a profoundly beautiful experience for me. It was one thing to help plan it on paper, but to be there in person was something else. The entire experience was beautiful. The lighting was dream-like, Chaka brought sass and glamour, Edward grounded the event with his deep insight on the psychology of being a professional athlete. But what was striking was that the joy and wonder I experienced kept growing through the night. By the time we got to the performance portion, I was at, 'there's more?' When the dancers came in, light on their feet, composed, graceful, and in perfect formation. I was struck by how many there were and had a sense this would be like nothing I'd seen before. It left me with an expansive optimism. Might what comes next for our community be better than anything we've seen before?"
Read the full tournament recap, view results, and relive the highlights
Follow the conversation:
Ready to represent MTG?
The Atlantic Cup returns October 3–4 in Philadelphia, and MTG is assembling a team of players from D through Open divisions to compete for this year's title.
Since 1992, the Atlantic Cup has brought together LGBTQ+ tennis clubs from Boston, New York, Philadelphia, and Washington, D.C. for a weekend of spirited singles and doubles competition, friendly rivalries, and unforgettable camaraderie. Each city fields teams across every skill level, earning points throughout the weekend in pursuit of the coveted Atlantic Cup trophy—and a year of bragging rights.
Whether you're a seasoned GLTA competitor or looking to represent MTG in a fun team format for the first time, we'd love to have you on the roster.
Complete the Atlantic Cup Interest Form
Deadline: July 31
Traveling to a GLTA tournament?
Join the MTG at GLTA Tournaments WhatsApp Community—a dedicated space for MTG members to connect before, during, and after tournaments. Coordinate flights, hotels, rideshares, practice sessions, ask questions, and stay connected throughout the weekend.
Whether it's your first GLTA tournament or your fiftieth, it's the easiest way to connect with fellow MTG members on the road.
The Gay and Lesbian Tennis Alliance (GLTA) sanctions more than 70 tournaments worldwide each year, welcoming players of every skill level in an inclusive and welcoming environment.
Join the WhatsApp Community
Learn more about GLTA tournaments
Thinking about a new racquet?
MTG members can demo one of four brand-new Diadem racquets during MTG sessions at the National Tennis Center. Try them during drills or match play to discover which model best fits your game.
Available Models
Bonus: MTG members receive 15% off at DiademSports.com with code MTG.
Save on top tennis gear with Tennis Warehouse.
Whether you're replacing worn-out shoes, refreshing your tennis wardrobe, or picking up a new bag, MTG members receive exclusive savings.
Member Discounts
Discounts apply to MSRP. Product exclusions may apply.
Discount codes are emailed to active MTG members at the beginning of each quarter. The most recent code was sent in July 2026. If you didn't receive it, can't find it, or have questions, please contact Chris Phillips at membership@metrotennisgroup.com
The Metropolitan Tennis Group is led by a dedicated team of volunteers committed to growing an inclusive, welcoming, and vibrant tennis community. Click on a board member's photo or name to learn more about them and the role they play in MTG.
Karen L. FunfgeldWomen's Director
Kevin Ko Sponsorship Director
Seong-Moh Yang Commissioner & Technology Director
Christopher Phillips Membership Director
Ray ZhongSocial Events Director
Khai NguyenCommunications Director
MTG is 100% volunteer-run. Behind every MTG event, league, and program is a team of dedicated volunteers. If you'd like to help make our community even stronger, we'd love to hear from you.
Learn more and complete the Volunteer Interest Form
Have a story to share, an idea for a future event, or feedback on the newsletter?
We'd love to hear from you. Simply reply to this email or reach out to a member of the MTG Board. Whether you're a longtime member or just joined the club, your ideas help shape our community.
Thank you for being part of MTG. We'll see you on the courts!
Spring 2026
MTG runs on its people—so we’re finally putting them in the spotlight (because honestly, the group chat can only do so much). Each edition, we’ll feature a member sharing their tennis story, life off court, and a few fun, slightly unhinged questions for good measure.
When did you join MTG and why?
I was in Los Angeles Tennis Association when I was in LA, so joining a new LGBT tennis community is a “must-do” item. I heard about MTG when I was playing Orlando Tournament 2025, so I decided to join after I secured my job in New Jersey.
Favorite part of MTG?
Favorite part is always the organization, so well organized and you got nothing to complain about.
Favorite tennis player? (or your tennis crush!)
Cameron Norrie, so hot, though flopped.
Serve
Any advice for new members?
Join the events hosted by MTG, they are so fun and so well organized!
We’re looking for volunteers for two upcoming MTG events — the Liberty Open and Youth Pride at South Street Seaport — and would love your help. MTG is 100% volunteer-run, and every event we host depends on members stepping up to create welcoming, high-quality experiences for our community.
Liberty Open – Volunteer Needs
️ Youth Pride – South Street Seaport
Youth Pride is a free USTA-partnered event celebrating LGBTQIA+ youth with a safe, inclusive space featuring music, DJs, games, food, performances, and community resources — while connecting the next generation to tennis. Volunteers will rotate shifts helping run the MTG booth and support event operations:
If you’re available — even for part of a shift — we’d really appreciate your support. Every role helps these events run smoothly and strengthens our community.
Learn more about other volunteering opportunities here: https://www.metrotennisgroup.com/volunteer
This year we’ve added new member benefits and want to make sure you’re aware of everything available to you, both new and existing.
Visit the Member Benefits for more information:
The Finish Line is in Sight!
The Winter Doubles League is entering its final stretch, and it’s been one for the record books. Between the fierce competition and two major snowstorms that wiped out 24 matches, we are officially headed for the latest ending in MTG history.
Final Matches: April 26, 2026
The Competition: 96 players | 6 divisions | 168 matches
The Stakes: Glory, bragging rights, and trophies!
Click Here to Follow the Final Standings
Don’t forget to join us in May at our Outdoor Season Opening Party, where we will officially crown our Winners and Runners-Up!
Ray Zhong, Social Director
Your tennis personality in 3 words?
Jelena Alona Ostapenko
Go-to shot under pressure?
Tequila
Dream doubles partner (real or fictional)?
Jessica Pegula (so I can travel with her private jet)
Favorite place to play in NYC?
As a Fort Greene local, I show allegiance to Fort Greene Park.
Post-match ritual?
Gossip
Khai Nguyen, Communications Director
Strategic. Hopeful. Overthinking.
A lethal, sometimes accurate, mostly not, slice drop shot – because why not go for a low percentage shot under high stress
Tommy Paul — I might have yelled a marriage proposal to him
East River Park courts — the views are incredible
Chocolate milkshake immediately, then replaying the trauma of being up 5–3 and losing 10 straight games (this really happened last weekend).
Christopher Phillips, Membership Director
Bipolar. Sweaty.
Topspin forehand
Martina Navratilova (old-school)
National Tennis Center, outdoors, under the big lights
Soaking in the post-win nirvana or quitting tennis after a loss (for a few hours at least)
Karen Funfgeld, Women's Director
Competitive, strategic & determined
Forehand on a rope down the line
Sabalanka, of course!!!
Outdoors NTC or Central Park
Post-match breakdown over cocktails
Kevin Ko, Sponsorship Director
aggressive, (a bit) impatient, risk-averse
wide-angle forehand
Hsieh su wei
West Side
ham string stretches, lots of them
Seong-Moh Yang, Commissioner & Technology Director
Tenacious or exasperated
I invite you to face me on court to find out!
Hsieh Su-Wei - hands of God, queen of the doubles court. She will do all of the hard work, and I get to admire from just a few feet away
North Bergen, NJ. Tons of courts, no wait, play till you drop
Handshake at the net, beer on the courtside bench with your former foe
