Tennis star reached Wimbledon final but has now become real estate mogul

Former tennis star MaliVai Washington managed to achieve some impressive feats over a 10-year long career. An incredible run at Wimbledon and climbing to a career high ranking of 11th were notable achievements, but his work since retirement has caught even more attention.

The American’s tennis career got underway as a professional in 1989. His big break came a few years later in 1995 when he managed to beat world No. 1 Andre Agassi in the third round of the Essen Masters.

The following year he would carry on this run of form into the Wimbledon championships. Aftering rising up the ranks he reached the dizzying heights of the Wimbledon men’s singles final, defeating the likes of Thomas Enqvist and Todd Martin along the way.

However, this was as far as the now 53-year-old would ever get. Despite putting on a strong display he eventually lost to Dutch tennis star Richard Krajicek. The match was also well known for an incident involving ‘the greatest Wimbledon streak’.

Despite the result it would be a year to remember for Washington. This was the same year he obtained his real estate licence and founded the non-profit MaliVai Washington Youth Foundation (MWYF), which provides mentoring and tennis lessons for children the Durkeeville area.

This would become a blessing for the former pro as just two years later he was forced to retire from tennis due to a recurring knee injury. He has since gone on to enjoy a succesful career in real estate and also achieved success with his foundation. 

However, Washington is now back in the news thanks to his work with the MWYF. The Jacksonville Beach realtor was recently selected as one of five winners of the National Association of Realtors Good Neighbor Award.

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Over the past 26 years since his retirement, Washington expanded the MWYF to become a centre for youths and teens. The organisation helps 500 children a year benefit from tennis instruction, leadership skills, financial training and academic tutoring.

With a 100 per cent high school graduation rate in the local neighbourhood, the MWYF has been acknowledged by the community for its outstanding work. As a reward for winning the prestigious award, the non-profit organisation will receive $10,000.

This hasn’t been the only time Washington’s non-profit has been recognised for its achievements. In 2021 the former tennis star was awarded the ‘Rock of the Community Award’ from the Rotary Club of Ponte Vedra Beach for his impact in the local community.

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