Altaf Merchant came to Owensboro 25 years ago with $2,000 and four tennis rackets, leaving his family in India. After achieving global success as a pickleball player, Merchant is giving back to the community that’s supported him along the way by becoming the naming sponsor for Centre Court.
There will be a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 12:15 p.m. Friday to unveil the new signage.
“The community has always embraced me at every single stage in my life — every triumph and tragedy, this community has been awesome,” Merchant said. “They’ve always, always stepped up.”
Merchant said Owensboro has been special to him, so he wanted to return the favor.
“I’m going to spend the rest of my life doing something special for Owensboro and giving back,” he said. “I made a list of places in Owensboro that are near and dear to my heart. Centre Court was right at the top of the list.”
Merchant has served on board, and he’s been associated with Centre Court since 2009.
“We’ve gone six years without a naming sponsor,” he said. “So I said this is what I’m going to do. I wanted some of that money to go toward helping kids, lessons who can’t afford it.”
According to a statement from Centre Court, the naming sponsorship will “provide financial stability which will allow future generations to continue enjoying tennis at our outstanding facility.”
Noting that tennis is why he came to America and why he got to travel the world, Merchant said this was a good starting place for him to pass on the impact the sport has had on his life.
Over the last two decades, Merchant has achieved incredible success as a pickleball player. Last September, he moved up to No. 9 in the world in the pickleball global rankings for men’s doubles after a continued streak of success through the year.
“Pickleball is now a big part of my life and the pickleball community has done a lot for me,” he said, noting he may have another big announcement later this year or early in 2022.
Locally, he’s worked closely with the Owensboro Pickleball Association. In addition to helping bring a major tournament to Owensboro in 2019, Merchant played a role in converting the old tennis courts at York Park into a set of four outdoor pickleball courts.
He’s also been involved beyond the sports scene, contributing time and funds to local nonprofits including Fresh Start for Women, Care Net, Diocese of Owensboro and CASA of Ohio Valley.
“I want to give away money each year to make Owensboro better,” Merchant said. “Owensboro has made me better and this is my life, and my home. People have given so much to me and the community has given so much to me. … I’ve always given back with my time. I’ve always been on boards. I’ve always given free pickleball lessons. I’ve always given stuff with my talent. I’m now in a position to give back financially.”
Owensboro Mayor Tom Watson said Merchant has been a true asset to the area in numerous ways.
“I believe Altaf needs the credit for supporting Centre Court,” Watson said. “He’s just contributed tremendously to our community and I want to thank him.”
