A beautiful Saturday for a beautiful event

A LSA Ambassador’s Experience At The Adaptive National Tennis Qualifier

By Luke Azoulay-Haron; written (9/18/2025)

A beautiful Saturday for a beautiful event. September 13th, the USTA National Adaptive Qualifier was held at the Kiwi Racquet Club in Indian Harbour Beach, Florida. And Love Serving Autism (LSA) got in on the fun! Multiple players and supporting staff at the tournament represented LSA during the event! 

I, Luke Azoulay-Haron served as a Unified Doubles Partner, teaming up with my adaptive partner, Antoine, to compete in an inclusive and competitive environment. Antoine and I proudly placed third overall; an achievement built on positive reinforcement, sensitivity, empathy and shared determination.

As a Unified Partner, my primary role was to support Antoine both on and off the court. This included preparing for sensory needs, building a relationship with Antoine, and his parents, as well as practicing strategy based, in-game communication during and prior to the tournament. During the qualifiers, I also adapted my playing style to complement Antoine’s strengths, while also maintaining consistency in rallies and serving under pressure.

Throughout matches, I provided encouragement, empathy, and real-time feedback; making sure Antoine stayed engaged, confident, and felt supported in high-pressure moments. Additionally, I  motivated Antoine to take command of play whenever possible. One way was by offering an order of fries, if Antoine took the initiative of pursuing points at the net. During one match, Antoine let out a very prideful cry, “You owe me fries, Luke!” 
To which I hollered back “Yes, yes I do, brother!”  

Off the court, I made it a point to support other players, and encouraged Antoine to do the same. We cheered on matches, and helped foster camaraderie across all tournament players. After the tournament, I was glad to exchange contact info with my new friend Antoine! His parents and I are also planning to find a day I can cheer on Antoine at one of his Paralympic Swimming Events.  

I was deeply honored to be recognized with the tournament’s Kindness Award. 
Winning this award was a reflection of the values I, and Loving Serving Autism brought to the event: — effort, respect, accessibility, and genuine care for others.

This experience was a powerful reminder of how sports brings people together, creates lasting memories, fosters individuality and personal developments, as well as fulfillment for players and allies.

Luke Azoulay-Haron (Love Serving Autism Ambassador, and high school graduate in the midst of a gap year)