The Gootter-Jensen Grand Slam is a tennis event with intention: It is on a mission to defeat sudden cardiac death (SCD), which kills about 1,000 Americans every day.
Started as a local celebrity tennis tournament more than 18 years ago to honor Steven M. Gootter, who succumbed to SCD while on a run at age 42, the grassroots effort partnered last year with Former Grand Slam Tennis Champion Murphy Jensen as it continues its evolution into a philanthropic powerhouse.
To date, it has funneled more than $4.3 million into research and placed more than 500 automated external defibrillators (AEDs) in schools, churches, sports facilities, public spaces, vehicles of first responders and other locations throughout Southern Arizona.
For Jensen, the cause is — literally and figuratively — close to his heart: An AED saved him when he suffered a sudden cardiac arrest during a tennis exhibition in 2021.
People are also reading…
With his support, the Gootter-Jensen Foundation seeks to promote SCD awareness, education and research — and increase the presence of AEDs — in sports, recreation and beyond.
“Murphy Jensen is a great partner. He has given us such visibility in so many places outside of Tucson. He has great contacts in the tennis world and has been able to bring in wonderful talent for the event this year,” said Andrew Messing, President of the Gootter-Jensen Foundation.
The upcoming fundraiser will feature a world-class lineup of tennis greats, including former world No. 1 Kim Clijsters and recently retired Sam Querrey, who was ranked No. 11 in the world in 2018. In a nod to the craze sweeping the country, the duo will also play a pickleball exhibition with local pros Nik Slater and Brian Branscome.
A mixed doubles tennis exhibition will feature Abigail Spears, who holds 21 doubles titles, including the Australian Open, partnered with Jensen against Clijsters and Querrey. Actor Greg Kinnear, a University of Arizona alumnus who lost his father to SCD, will be in the umpire chair.
Messing is expecting an unforgettable evening filled with both fun and poignant moments.
“I think it will be very emotional for Abigail and Murphy. The last time they saw each other, they were playing as partners in Colorado Springs when Murphy had his sudden cardiac arrest. Abigail was right there when he was resuscitated,” said Messing.
The action will continue with a challenge featuring local tennis pros and the UA women’s tennis team, along with demonstrations of hands-only CPR and instruction on using AEDs, followed by dinner under the stars.
Ultimately, the evening is also a celebration of support from the Tucson community.
“The growth of this effort speaks volumes about our community. Nobody ever thinks a sudden cardiac arrest could happen to them. We often have a victim come and speak at the event, and they are young, healthy, and fit, and people are shocked. If it can happen to them, it can happen to anyone. Our community understands the importance of what we are doing and has really got behind us,” said Messing.