For several months, the United States Tennis Association (USTA) has emphasized its commitment to women’s equity and empowerment, highlighting its history of paying equal prize money to top players at the U.S. Open. However, the USTA is currently facing litigation regarding accusations of sexual assault made by a female player who worked with a male coach at their training center in Florida. The depositions in this case have included intrusive and detailed questioning about the woman’s sexual history.
Kylie McKenzie, a 24-year-old from Arizona and once a promising junior player, sued the USTA last year, alleging that they failed to protect her from a coach who inappropriately touched her during a practice session when she was 19 and he was 34. Efforts to mediate a settlement have been unsuccessful, leading to the preparation for a possible trial with witness depositions.
During these depositions, McKenzie was subjected to invasive questions about her sexual partners, medications for anxiety and depression, and therapy discussions. The USTA’s lawyer even asked McKenzie’s mother if she knew about her daughter’s use of birth control pills and morning-after pills. Advocates for victims of sexual abuse have criticized these types of questions, stating that they discourage women from speaking up about their experiences.
Pam Shriver, a former player and television commentator who has worked with the USTA, criticized the organization for its handling of the case. She testified as a witness for McKenzie and shared her own story of abuse. Shriver stated that the USTA’s top lawyer warned her to be careful about speaking out on sexual abuse, but the USTA denies stifling anyone’s story and claims to have no intention of revictimizing or shaming McKenzie.
McKenzie’s case revolves around her former coach, Anibal Aranda, who worked at the USTA training center. Despite the USTA’s support for her development since she was 12 years old and her training at their centers in California and Florida, McKenzie experienced escalating physical contact and isolation from Aranda, which made her uncomfortable. The incident that prompted her lawsuit occurred when Aranda sat close to McKenzie, touching her thighs without her consent. McKenzie reported the incident to friends, relatives, USTA officials, and law enforcement, leading to Aranda’s suspension and subsequent firing.
An investigation by the U.S. Center for SafeSport found that it was likely Aranda had assaulted McKenzie. However, local prosecutors declined to pursue a criminal case. McKenzie’s mental health suffered, resulting in panic attacks and depression that hindered her progress in tennis.
During the investigation, it was discovered that Aranda had also assaulted another USTA employee at a New York club in 2015. This employee did not come forward at the time but expressed regret for not reporting the incident in light of McKenzie’s accusations.
McKenzie has struggled with anxiety and depression while competing in lower-tier tournaments this year. She is currently ranked 820th in the world. In her deposition, McKenzie explained that she didn’t expect Aranda’s behavior to escalate and admitted she was naive. The USTA’s lawyer questioned her about her previous relationships and sexual partners, attempting to undermine her credibility.
This line of questioning has drawn criticism from Robert Allard, McKenzie’s lawyer, who argues that it belittles and intimidates survivors of assault. Shriver, who has been involved with the USTA, initially hesitated to testify in the case but ultimately decided to support survivors and shed light on unprofessional coaching situations.
The USTA maintains that they only learned of the employee’s accusations against Aranda after McKenzie’s complaint to the authorities, and they promptly acted to terminate his contract.
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