Safin and Henin Enshrined by Tennis Hall of Fame

July 18, 2016 | By New York Tennis Magazine Staff

Marat Safin and Justine Henin joined Yvon Petra and Margaret Scriven this weekend as the four were the latest inductees into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in Newport, R.I.

Safin was introduced by fellow Hall of Fame inductee Jimmy Connors, while Henin was introduced by Monica Seles. Also joining Safin and Henin was Amélie Mauresmo, a member of the Class of 2015 who was unable to attend last year’s induction due to the birth of her son, Aaron.

“I didn’t understand what I was doing in tennis, who I am and what I achieved, until I arrived here,” said Safin during his acceptance speech. “After these two or three days here, I realized that I didn’t appreciate the sport as much as I could. Now I’m doing it much more. It’s a big honor to be here.”

“At six-years-old, I grew up in a small village in Belgium. I'd jump up and down on the bed like I won the French Open,” said Henin.

Henin noted her inspiration in Monica Seles and Stefanie Graf battling for the French Open title.

“Watching these two incredible women fighting with respect, passion and dedication, it was a wonderful inspiration for me. I turned to my mom and told her that one day, I too would compete for this title."

Henien later accomplished her goal, defeating fellow countrywoman Kim Clijsters in the 2003 Roland Garros finals.

"I'd to thank the Hall of Fame for postponing my induction and giving me the opportunity to be here with you today with my family,” said Mauresmo of her enshrinement a year later. “I'm a bit late, but it was worth it!

Also inducted in the Master Player Category were Petra and Scriven. Master Player Category inductees must have been retired for at least 20 years prior to consideration, have a distinguished record of competitive achievement at the highest international level, with consideration given to integrity, sportsmanship and character.

Petra was a notable French tennis player of the 1940s, winning the Wimbledon Singles Title in 1946, ending a 19-year drought of French winners and making him the last French man to have done so.

Scriven of Yorkshire, England accomplished the feat of back-to-back French Championships titles, becoming the first British woman and only unseeded player ever to win the French National Championships in 1933.


New York Tennis Magazine Staff
Centercourt
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