Inspiring Generations at Legends Ball 2024
The 2024 Legends Ball presented by BNP Paribas and NetJets, held Saturday night in New York City, proved to be an unforgettable evening filled with inspiring tennis stories and legendary heroes from the sport.
A star-studded guest list, including former Grand Slam champions, Olympic medalists, and tennis icons who have left an indelible mark on the sport included Hall of Famers Chris Evert, John McEnroe, Martina Navratilova, Kim Clijsters, Arantxa Sánchez-Vicario, Lindsay Davenport, Vijay Amritraj, Tracy Austin, Stan Smith, Gigi Fernandez and more. Andre Agassi made a surprise visit for a Q&A with ITHF President Patrick McEnroe during the cocktail hour.
Legends in attendance shared their personal reflections of the Hall of Famers that have inspired them during their careers. McEnroe joined brother Patrick to speak about how learning from Aussie great Harry Hopman continues to spark his motivation in teaching young players today.
“The McEnroe brothers were fortunate enough to sort of run into these types of situations where we met incredible teachers and inspiring leaders in our sport,” said John.
“I didn't know Harry Hopman if I fell over him [as a kid], but I'll tell you something, he brought out the best. He brought out the best in the kids that were there every time he stepped on the court, which is my goal when I go on the tennis court at my tennis academy. I hope that the kids that I get on the court with will think ‘I'm going to give that little extra bit’ that I did when Harry Hopman came on the court and started hitting balls at us.”
In sharing her inspirations, Hall of Famer Chris Evert shared a poignant moment with friend and fellow Hall of Famer Martina Navratilova on stage. Evert recalled Navratilova’s bold Fed Cup return to her home nation of Czechoslovakia, and their close friendship in retirement.
"I saw the way that the crowds reacted to her and standing ovations every time she played. And then later on we became rivals. And then later on, we unfortunately had cancer together. So we got to be really close, and I just really saw the strength she had and I think that was very inspirational for me.”
“Later on in life, Martina became my inspiration because I saw her defect from Czechoslovakia and I was with her during that time. I went to Prague to play Fed Cup and I saw her go back to Prague when she was playing number one for America,” remembered Evert.
During Legends Ball, the Hall of Fame unveiled Be Legendary, a new initiative for 2025 designed to inspire greatness in generations globally. Be Legendary will use tennis history and engage Hall of Famers to support youth programs around the world. Over 1 million dollars were raised on the evening in support of Be Legendary and the Hall of Fame.
Touching musical performances by Broadway star Melissa Errico bookended the gala. She took the stage alongside her husband Patrick McEnroe, and was accompanied by daughters Diana and Juliette in the closing number.
