Roger Federer’s between-the-legs return during his first-round match at the 2010 US Open is certainly one of the most memorable shots of the tennis season.
And it might be the highlight of the wish experience of 12-year-old Andrew. He probably has a hard time picking a favorite moment, though, considering what happened during his wish to attend the US Open.

Andrew’s mother, Jayna, watched as once-in-a-lifetime experiences delighted her son each day.

Andrew’s Life of Obstacles

Andrew was born with campomelic dysplasia, a rare, debilitating form of dwarfism. It affects his spine and legs, causing severe curvature of the bones. He has endured more than 20 surgeries. In addition to those challenges, Andrew was also born deaf. High-powered, surgically implanted hearing aids allow him to hear and speak.

Despite all of these obstacles, Andrew was elected mayor of his fifth-grade class. He takes tennis lessons when he can between operations.

Serving up the Perfect Wish

Andrew’s younger brother, Noah, inspired his fascination with tennis. After watching the US Open on television last year, Andrew decided it would be a perfect wish to go to New York City for one of the sport’s biggest tournaments.

On his first day, Andrew encountered Roger Federer, who has won a men’s-record 16 Grand Slam singles titles and is arguably the best male tennis player of all time.

“All of a sudden, we look up and there he is – the best player in the world bending down to shake hands with Andrew,” Jayna said.

Right after meeting Roger, Andrew got to meet “an old friend” that he had meet a few weeks earlier at the Olympus US Open Series tournament in Cincinnati where Andrew tossed the ceremonial coin before one of Rafael Nadal’s matches.

“I remember you from Cincinnati,” smiled and laughed eventual US Open Champion Rafael Nadal while waiting to hit center court for his part in Arthur Ashe Kids Day.

“You do!” remarked Andrew with a smile from ear to ear.

All day Andrew had been carrying the photo of the coin toss in hopes of seeing him. As soon as Rafa saw the photo he signed it without a second thought.

Andrew also enjoyed chance meetings with Olympic gold medal skier Lindsey Vonn, former women’s tennis player Mary Joe Fernandez and rising American star Melanie Oudin before they also made their way onto Arthur Ashe Stadium for their part in the Arthur Ashe Kids Day stadium show.

“That day, we all felt like celebrities,” Jayna said.

Andrew saw Federer and Oudin in action, along with other pros such as Venus Williams and eventual 2010 US Open Champion Kim Clijsters. When the 23,000 people in the stadium cheered Federer’s highlight-reel shot, he felt the excitement from his courtside seat.

Kindness in his Court

Jayna could see how the experience transported Andrew from his medical worries – and she was delighted that caring people were willing to give such a gift to her son.

“So thank you, Make-A-Wish Foundation and USTA, for making the dreams of one boy come true – game, set and match,” she wrote. “None of us will ever forget your kindness or generosity."