Class of 2020 Honored in Melbourne
A remarkable group of tennis' all-time greats and thousands of tennis fans gathered in Rod Laver Arena on Tuesday evening to give a warm welcome to the newest inductees of the International Tennis Hall of Fame, Conchita Martinez and Goran Ivanisevic.
The Hall of Fame's Class of 2020 was announced earlier in the day from the Australian Open. Ivanišević and Martínez, each a Wimbledon champion and former world No. 2, among their many career accolades, have been elected to receive tennis’ ultimate honor in 2020 – induction into the International Tennis Hall of Fame.
Of the induction news, Ivanisevic stated, "I was a little bit speechless. I didn't know what to say. It's probably the biggest and greatest honor any sportsman. My journey started 41 years ago in Split, tennis journey, and it's going to end in Newport. I cannot say too many times, but this time I'm really proud of myself for achievements I did in tennis."
The pair received a grand welcome to tennis' most elite club, with 17 Hall of Fame tennis legends on court in Melbourne to celebrate the news.
From left: Cliff Drysdale, Neale Fraser, Mark Woodforde, Lesley Turner Bowrey, Pam Shriver, Margaret Court, Ken Rosewall, Rod Laver, Evonne Goolagong, Brian Tobin, Frank Sedgman, Lindsay Davenport, Marat Safin, Chris Evert, Pat Rafter, Stan Smith and David Hall.
Many of the Hall of Famers donned exclusive ITHF blazers, provided by Brooks Brothers.
This week’s celebration in Melbourne is the first public announcement and celebration of the new inductees. They will be officially inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in a ceremony on the evening of Saturday, July 18, 2020 in Newport, Rhode Island.
Tickets for the ceremony are on sale now on tennisfame.com/enshrinement.
