Mauresmo Headlines Inductees of Hall of Fame’s Class of 2015
Former world number one and two-time major champion Amelie Mauresmo headlines the class of 2015 set for induction this weekend at the International Tennis Hall of Fame in Newport, R.I. Joining Mauresmo in the Class of 2015 will be David Hall of Australia, a six-time Paralympic medalist. Longtime tennis industry leader Nancy Jeffett has also been elected in the Contributor Category in recognition of her lifetime commitment to the growth of the sport, particularly in the areas of women’s professional tennis and junior tennis development.
Current Hall of Famers Billie Jean King, Stan Smith, Pam Shriver, Gigi Fernandez, Rosie Casals and Owen Davidson, along with 2013 Wimbledon champion Marion Bartoli and ESPN's Patrick McEnroe, will be among the tennis stars scheduled to participate in the induction festivities, set for Saturday, July 18 at noon at Bill Talbert Center Court.
“I’m honored and humbled to be selected for induction into the International Tennis Hall of Fame. Tennis has been my passion for as long as I can remember. I extend my gratitude to the selection committee for recognizing my career in this way,” said Mauresmo, who was a singles champion at Wimbledon and the Australian Open. “It’s an extraordinary honor to have my career celebrated alongside the greatest champions of our sport, people who I have admired so greatly all my life.”
Since 1955, the honor of induction into the International Tennis Hall of Fame has been presented to just 240 people representing 21 nations. Located in Newport, the International Tennis Hall of Fame & Museum is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving the history and heritage of tennis. The Class of 2015 will be honored with tribute exhibits in the Hall of Fame’s museum, which is currently undergoing a $3 million renovation to offer tennis fans a new, engaging, state-of-the-art experience.
“Amelie and David were both inspiring and highly accomplished competitors on the professional tours. Nancy’s commitment to tennis has been integral to the growth of the sport and will leave a permanent positive impact on tennis for years to come,” said Hall of Fame President Stan Smith, who also serves as chairman of the Enshrinee Nominating Committee. “We look forward to celebrating their many accomplishments and contributions to tennis by presentation of our sport’s highest honor—induction into the International Tennis Hall of Fame.”
Hall is the fourth wheelchair tennis player to be inducted into the Hall of Fame. Earlier this year, he was inducted into the Australian Tennis Hall of Fame.
"I feel so honored and thankful that I am going to be inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame. I'm sure the ceremony will be a very emotional moment for me,” Hall said. “Tennis has taken me further than I ever imagined and I can't wait to get to Newport to share this wonderful honor with my family and friends.”
“Tennis has been such an important focal point of my life and I’ve loved every minute of working to grow the sport," said Jeffett. "I’m incredibly honored and humbled to have my commitment to tennis recognized through induction into the International Tennis Hall of Fame. My efforts were always part of a joint enterprise that included the early friends and volunteers who supported the Maureen Connolly Brinker Tennis Foundation, the Virginia Slims of Dallas, and friends at the WTA, especially Hall of Famer Peachy Kellmeyer, as well as my fellow volunteers at the USTA. None of it would have been possible without my family. I’m very much looking forward to a wonderful celebration in Newport in July.”
Individuals are eligible for Hall of Fame induction in three categories, Recent Player, Master Player, and Contributor. The International Media Voting Group, which is comprised of tennis journalists and authors, votes on the Recent Player Category. The International Masters Voting Group, which consists of Hall of Famers and individuals who are highly knowledgeable of the sport and its history, votes on the Master Player and Contributor categories. To be elected in any of the categories, an affirmative vote of 75 percent is required. There are no inductees for 2015 in the Master Player Category, which honors individuals who had tremendous tennis accomplishments, but have not been a major factor on a professional tour for 20 years or more.
