“Each forehand and backhand can set you up for the winning shot,” Paul said. “Same goes for investing—invest a little here, and a little there … and with the power of compounding, you’re giving your money a chance to grow.”

Acorns CEO Noah Kerner was a competitive tennis player when he was younger and sees Paul’s story as a parallel to that of the traditional investor. Through time, patience and hard work, a reasonable dream can come to fruition.

“Tommy represents the ultimate acorns-to-oak story, coming from humble beginnings to establishing himself as a force in the world of tennis,” Kerner said. “With Acorns, you can start small and with spare change and investments over time, give your money a chance to grow.”

Clif

If fans didn’t know who Frances Tiafoe was before his run to last year’s U.S. Open semifinals and his showdown with eventual champion Carlos Alcaraz, they do now. With a little brand help, he’s making sure kids throughout the country get a similar chance to make a name for themselves in tennis.

Tiafoe joined Clif, makers of Clif and Luna bars, in launching community tennis clinics in cities across the U.S. During the next 12 months, clinics at community centers in New York, Miami, Atlanta, Houston and elsewhere will feature Tiafoe working with young players as his professional schedule allows. Clif has actively supported the Frances Tiafoe Fund, which was launched in July with the intention of bringing together tennis and education to benefit underprivileged youth.

“Joining Clif and having their support to bring these clinics to life is a very meaningful personal achievement, as my own tennis career started at the Junior Tennis Champions Center (JTCC) in Maryland, a community center my father helped build,” said Tiafoe. “I’ve witnessed firsthand the benefits of community clinics, especially in neighborhoods that don’t typically have access to premier athletic opportunities.”

The partnership continues the work of the Clif Corps Athlete Coalition, which partners Clif with athletes and organizations to increase sports equity and access to outdoor activities. Launched in 2022, the coalition has partnered with groups including Outdoor Afro and the Voice In Sport Foundation in an effort to improve Clif’s presence in various communities. 

“What makes Frances an inspiring partner for the Clif Corps Athlete Coalition is his unrivaled athletic ability and his passion and energy for giving back,” said Brooke Donberg, senior manager of partnerships at Clif.