Original 9 Honored with Hall of Fame rings at US Open
Fifty-one years after they signed $1 contracts for the first women’s pro tennis event, the Original 9 of women’s tennis were honored on one of tennis’ biggest stages during women’s semifinal night at the US Open. The women were celebrated in a special ceremony on Arthur Ashe Stadium Court, when they received their official International Tennis Hall of Fame rings in recognition of their induction earlier this year. The Hall of Fame rings are custom made for each Hall of Famer, signifying their receipt of tennis’ ultimate honor and their membership in tennis' most elite club.
“It’s great to be back and to see what 50 years has brought to women’s tennis. It’s been a terrific journey with these Original 9. They were all so brave, and I’m proud to be part of it,” said Rosie Casals.
The Original 9 - Peaches Bartkowicz, Rosie Casals, Judy Tegart Dalton, Julie Heldman, Billie Jean King, Kristy Pigeon, Valerie Ziegenfuss, Kerry Melville Reid, and Nancy Richey – were inducted into the into the Hall of Fame earlier this year, honored in the Contributor Category for their immense contributions to the growth of the sport. On September 23, 1970, the women signed $1 contracts with tennis promoter Gladys Heldman to launch the first women’s pro tennis tournament. That first tournament was such a success it turned into a circuit, and the women then worked tirelessly in the following years to get women’s pro tennis off the ground, paving the way for the early pro circuits and today’s thriving WTA Tour.
“There were three reasons that we wanted to do this for future generations. Number 1, that any girl born in this world would have a place to compete. Number 2 that we would be appreciated for our accomplishments, not only our looks. And, Number 3 that we would finally be able to make a living playing the sport that we were passionate about,” said Billie Jean King, to rousing applause from fans in the stands.
"Your brave actions 51 years ago changed the course of history for all women everywhere. "
- Stacey Allaster, Chief Executive, Professional Tennis, USTA
Six of the nine women attended the ring ceremony at the US Open, with Kristy Pigeon, Judy Tegart Dalton, and Nancy Richey were unable to attend.
The rings were presented by ITHF President Stan Smith and CEO Todd Martin, along with USTA representatives Mike McNulty, chairman of the board & president, and Stacey Allaster, chief executive of women’s tennis, who thanked the Original 9 for the inspiration they provided to her personally.
“I would not be standing here today as the first female tournament director of the US Open if it were not for you and your courage to break down the barriers. Your brave actions 51 years ago changed the course of history for all women everywhere,” said Allaster.
In a touching moment indicative of the power of history to inspire future generations, the Original 9 were the first to congratulate US Open finalist Leylah Fernandez as she left the court after her semifinal victory. Immediately following the biggest win of her career, the 19-year-old rising star took a moment in the player hallway to thank the women for inspiring her. The Original 9 also remained on the court after the ceremony to welcome semifinalists Emma Raducanu and Maria Sakkari, who shared appreciative smiles.
Kerry Melville Reid summed up the Original 9’s impact in her ceremony remarks, reflecting, “It’s been just about 50 years since we played our first tournament. To see where women’s tennis has come in that time is amazing.”
