A FORMER Wimbledon finalist is now doing something completely different – and he is proving to be ace at that too.
American MaliVai Washington started to make headlines in 1995 when he defeated world No.1 Andre Agassi in the third round of the Essen Masters.
But it was the following year that proved to be a vital one for him both on and off the court.
The now 53-year-old beat Thomas Enqvist and Todd Martin to reach the final of Wimbledon in 1996.
There was to be heartbreak in store as he suffered a loss to Richard Krajicek, although he did gain some revenge a few months later in the Grand Slam Cup.
However, that very same year, he obtained his real estate licence, while he was still touring professionally.
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He then set up the MaliVai Washington Youth Foundation (MWYF), a non-profit organisation he founded to provide after-school mentoring and tennis instruction to children in the Durkeeville area.
Washington would then suffer a number of recurring knee injuries, which eventually led to him retiring from sport in 1999.
But he is back in the news after the now Jacksonville Beach realtor was selected as one of five winners of the National Association of Realtors Good Neighbor Award.
Washington, who also competed in the Olympics and reached No11 in the world rankings, was recognised for his work with MWYF.
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Since its creation, MWYF has expanded over the past 26 years to include a youth centre and teen centre.
They serve 500 kids a year through a comprehensive program of academic tutoring, leadership skills, financial training and tennis instruction.
The foundation’s program also boasts an impressive 100 per cent high school graduation rate in the local neighbourhood.
And after winning the Good Neighbor Award, Washington’s non-profit will receive a $10,000 boost as part of the prize.
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