International Tennis Hall of Fame Class of 2024: Wimbledon Press Breakfast
The Class of 2024 - Vijay Amritraj, Richard Evans and Leander Paes - were recognized and spoke with members of the media on Thursday, July 11 at Wimbledon. The event marked the first appearance for the three inductees together ahead of Hall of Fame Weekend and July 20's Induction Ceremony.
Catherine Whitaker of The Tennis Podcast moderated a Q&A with the inductees, who shared their gratitude, respect for one another and excitement at receiving the Ultimate Honor in Tennis next week.
In reflecting on his career in journalism, administration and close relationships with players on the ATP Tour, Evans expressed his appreciation:
"I think in a locker room, occasionally one or two people got a little upset with each other. But basically, we are an example for the United Nations. You want to know how people should get along if they're black, brown, white, Hottentot? It doesn't matter. The tennis world is a wonderful family. They've emphasized family. The tennis world is a family."
Paes came prepared with a timely memento from his career: his 1996 Olympic bronze medal.
"Tennis has given us every single thing that we've learned from, and these men showed me the way. They paved the way for me. So this medal is what I'm going to share with the International Tennis Hall of Fame guys back in Newport. If we can play street cricket and street football barefoot and yet win Olympic medals and have Davis Cup records and get into the international Tennis Hall of Fame, any young kid can do it."
Amritraj focused on the impact this year's induction will have for India, with he and Paes becoming the first two Asian and Indian men inducted into the ITHF.
"As far as I was always concerned, playing on the Centre Court at Wimbledon, it just happened to be me, but it was always an Indian. It was the Indian people who supported me all over the place that I played and took me to places that I never dreamt I would go. And to me, it is basically India being honored today with us both being in the Hall of Fame at this point in time. So it is a very, very special moment for the Indian anthem and Indian tricolor."
The full transcript from the Q&A is viewable HERE.
Photos by Deborah Albert
