When John Borden stepped onto a Memphis public court for the first time, he felt a powerful energy he recognized from his own childhood. Now, as the new CEO of Tennis Memphis, Borden arrives with a vision shaped by lived experience on public courts, years of community-driven leadership, and a belief that tennis can transform not just individuals, but entire neighborhoods. In his new role, he is looking forward to strengthening communities here through tennis, opening doors for young athletes, and showcasing the excellence that already lives in this city.
Borden’s love for tennis began on the public courts of 52nd and Parkside in Philadelphia, a setting he says reminds him of Memphis today: historic, accessible, and humming with potential. “If you wanted to get after it, you got after it,” he says. His early love of tennis eventually led him through a playing career at Villanova as a walk-on, an experience he still considers one of the greatest privileges of his life.
After college, Borden became a substitute public school teacher, then attended law school at Howard University. Despite the purpose and potential he saw in each of these paths, he continuously felt the pull to return to tennis. A friend encouraged him to try coaching at the Junior Tennis Champions Center (JTCC) in Maryland, where he met the prolific tennis professional and coach Ajay Pant, who inspired him to pursue a long-term career in tennis. “It became clear I was on the path I was supposed to be on,” he says. He grew from coach through management positions, eventually serving as Director of Tennis at JTCC.
He rose quickly in the tennis world, serving as COO and later CEO of the Washington Tennis & Education Foundation (WTEF) in Washington, D.C. His time at WTEF gave him foundational experience in rebuilding programs and strengthening communities, knowledge he was eager to bring to communities outside of D.C. Still, when he was brought the opportunity to join Tennis Memphis, he hesitated. His family was rooted in
D.C., and he thought he’d eventually return to his hometown of Philadelphia. But a visit to Bellevue Tennis Center here in Memphis changed everything. “Watching these young players train transported me back to being ten years old and falling in love with tennis for the first time. That sealed it,” he says. “I knew this was where I needed to be.”
Borden believes tennis teaches the lifelong truth that no one succeeds alone. “Tennis requires community,” he says. “You need coaches, hitting partners, and you also need to put in the individual work.” His vision for Tennis Memphis reflects that philosophy: community hubs across the city, each one designed to make tennis accessible, joyful, and aspirational. Tennis Memphis’ deep partnership with Memphis Parks will strengthen the community hubs across the city, where even small groups of players can spark growth, connection, and healthier neighborhoods. Whether it’s a child or adult picking up a racquet for the first time or a high-performance athlete chasing national dreams, Borden wants the pathway to be open to everyone. John sees enormous potential in Memphis’ talented youth and wants every young athlete to have the resources to pursue greatness.
“Tennis requires community. You need coaches, hitting partners, and you also need to put in the individual work.”
He also hopes to bring professional tennis back to the city, restoring what events like the Memphis Open once meant to the community, not just for prestige and entertainment, but for the energy it injects into a city that deserves to be seen.
“Excellence lives in Memphis,” he says. As he steps into this new chapter, Borden’s message to the city is simple: Memphians know the greatness and potential of their communities. Tennis Memphis is here to help it shine.
By Zoe Harrison
Photo by Josh Clark
