Li Na, Yevgeny Kafelnikov, Mary Pierce join the Hall of Fame
The three newest inductees into the International Tennis Hall of Fame were enshrined under moonlight on Saturday, July 20, 2019. After a long day of tournament tennis, the Induction Ceremony began around 7:30pm as Li Na, Yevgeny Kafelnikov and Mary Pierce — each of whom won an Australian Open and French Open singles title — took their places among the all-time greats of the game.
For Pierce, Saturday’s induction couldn’t come quickly enough.
“This day has finally arrived,” she said during her acceptance speech. “I’ve been waiting for this for six months.”
When it finally arrived, she made the most of it, touching on various aspects of her journey through tennis and life.
“Tennis has taught me so much in life — such a great teacher,” she said. “It's taught me that, like I said, anything that you want to achieve doesn't come easy. It comes with hard work and dedication, sacrifice. It taught me that you need to believe in yourself, no matter what anyone says.
“Always believe in your dreams. Sacrifice, dedication, hard work, respect. So many incredible values it's taught me throughout my life.”
Pierce recalled her childhood desire to one day become a pediatrician, before tennis entered her life. When she tagged along to her friend’s tennis lesson at age 10, a coach noticed her hitting. One thing led to another, and Mary Pierce the tennis player was born.
“If it wasn't for my friend in school, and if it wasn't for that tennis coach that saw me play the first day, obviously you must have seen something, asked me to come back the next day, I never would have come back, never been on a tennis court,” Pierce said. “I would have never come back the next day. I probably never would have played tennis again.”
Kafelnikov began his speech by paying tribute to the “most important persons in my life,” his parents, Aleksandre and Valentina, who were unable to attend Saturday’s ceremony.
“I felt nothing but love, warmth and care,” Kafelnikov said. “Mom and Dad, I know you're watching it, I love you so much. You've been there for me through thick and thin. When I come back home, we will celebrate this wonderful day.”
It was a day, and an honor, for which Kafelnikov, a former World No. 1, was truly grateful.
“I want to thank the board members and voters for making this day very possible for me,” he said. “I know what it's like and how to be a Hall of Famer, and I will definitely carry that responsibility for the rest of my life. Hopefully I'll not disappoint you.”
Li Na was introduced by her agent, Max Eisenbud, who mentioned her influence as the first tennis star from China.
“We all know to make it into the Hall of Fame, you have to be an accomplished tennis player,” Eisenbud said. “Li Na, you've been a great tennis player and an amazing champion. What I admire and I think most impressive about you is that you've been a true pioneer, not just for tennis, not just for women, but for all of China.”
Li Na stood at the podium with a glimmer in her eye and said, “I will try my speech, like my name, short as ever.”
Her relationship with tennis was far from love at first sight. She didn’t particularly care for the sport as a child.
“I hate tennis, honestly. I hate because after school I have to be come to the tennis court, no time play with my friends,” she said. “When time went by, I really enjoyed this amazing sport. But, what can I say, I am here now. It's great honor to be a Hall of Famer. To join the great names of the tennis legends. In the future I will do all I can to help more young and upcoming players."
Watch the full Class of 2019 Induction Ceremony, below:
