Patricia Jensen: A Trailblazer in Tennis Joins INTENNSE’s Board of Advisors
Patricia Jensen—renowned tennis advocate, philanthropist, and mother to four former professional tennis players—is the newest member of INTENNSE’s board of advisors.
Patricia Jensen—renowned tennis advocate, philanthropist, and mother to four former professional tennis players—is the newest member of INTENNSE’s board of advisors. With over 45 years of experience in the sport, Patricia brings a wealth of knowledge and passion that will help guide the league’s development and reinforce its mission to innovate tennis for the next generation.
How It All Started: A Family of Tennis Champions
Patricia Jensen’s four children—Luke, Murphy, Rachel, and Rebecca—have all made a lasting impact on the sport of tennis. In tennis history, the Jensens remain the leading family with four siblings competing as professional players at the same time.
Their journey began with Luke Jensen, known for his ambidextrous serve and electrifying energy on the court. Luke transitioned to tennis in eighth grade after starting in football. Despite skepticism about a left-handed quarterback switching sports so late, he achieved the No. 1 junior world ranking in both singles and doubles in 1984 and, alongside his brother Murphy, won the 1993 French Open Men’s Doubles title. "Don’t ever let anyone tell you you can’t do something," Patricia highlights as a core family philosophy.
Murphy Jensen shared the 1993 French Open victory with Luke, cementing their place in tennis history. Known for his charisma and passion, Murphy later became a successful coach and an advocate for mental health awareness, further demonstrating the family’s commitment to using their platform for positive impact. Both brothers are members of the Tennis Midwest and Mason County Sports Hall of Fame.
Rachel Jensen turned professional in 1991, earning recognition for her skill and determination on the court. Rebecca Jensen made history in 1993 as the first Kansas player to be named both a singles and doubles All-American in the same season. In 1994, she partnered with Nóra Köves to win the NCAA Doubles Championship. These remarkable achievements earned both sisters a place in the Mason County Sports Hall of Fame, alongside their brothers.
Why INTENNSE?
When asked why she chose to join INTENNSE, Patricia pointed to the format’s emphasis on teamwork and community. “I love the team aspect of this, creating a greater sense of community. On top of that, the integrity and objectivity of the team involved are inspiring. Their focus is truly on serving the community, players, and the sport, showing everyone just how fun it can be to hit the ball.”
She also shared her perspective as someone who frequently works with ball kids: “Some of them are not the biggest fans of the individual aspect of tennis,” she explains. “They’d rather help out in team sports like volleyball or basketball. With INTENNSE, I’ve never seen kids come off the court so excited. They’re high-fiving each other and saying, ‘Did you see how well I did? Did you see how good that was?’ The word ‘INTENNSE’ perfectly captures the format’s energy and excitement.”
Dream Matches for INTENNSE
When asked who she’d love to see compete in INTENNSE, Patricia’s list reflects her passion for blending dynamic personalities with the format’s unique style. “Oh, so I can’t say Roger [Federer]?” she jokes. “I would love to see Chris Eubanks play, and I think Ben Shelton’s personality would really fit the format.”
A Lifelong Advocate for Tennis
Beyond her family’s accomplishments, Patricia has left an indelible mark on the tennis community through volunteerism and entrepreneurship. She has organized ball persons for events like the Atlanta Open and Georgia Tech matches, fostering a love for the sport in young participants. Her dedication to philanthropy and her entrepreneurial spirit align perfectly with INTENNSE’s mission to redefine tennis and the culture around it.
Building the Future of Tennis Together
As a member of INTENNSE’s board of advisors, Patricia Jensen plays a crucial role in shaping the league’s future. Her decades of experience and unwavering belief in tennis as a force for joy and community make her an invaluable asset to the organization.
