CLASS OF 2019
ROAD TO NEWPORT
The path to becoming a Hall of Famer is unique for everyone, but each marked with stories of perseverance, change, triumph, and defeat. The Road to Newport is a new video series chronicling this year's incoming class and their journey to Newport and enshrinement in the Hall of Fame.
LI NA
The Early Years
The path to becoming a Hall of Famer is unique for everyone, but each marked with stories of perseverance, change, triumph and defeat. For Chinese great Li Na, her introduction to tennis was actually born from a family passion for another sport.
On Taking A Break
Widely heralded as the inspiration for today's thriving tennis community in China, Li Na's legacy in tennis came very close to coming to fruition. Of her own accord, the eventual two-time Grand Slam champion took a two-year break from tennis early in her career, before finding a personally re-ignited commitment to the sport that changed the course of tennis history.
My Tennis Inspiration
Growing up as one of the first competitive players in China, 2019 Hall of Famer Li Na looked to the global tennis community for inspiration - and found it in a player that might surprise you.
History Making Year
Facing match point against the current world No. 1 in a Grand Slam semifinal, Li Na could have easily thought her run was over at the 2011 Australian Open. However, with the heart of a champion, the Chinese great powered back - not only to win that match but to change the course of tennis history again and again that season.
A Star is Born
Calm and confident, Li Na became China's first ever major champion with a victory at the 2011 French Open. More than 100 million people tuned in from China, and with a lift of the trophy, a star was born and a nation became tennis fanatics. Here's Li Na's memories of that history-making day.
“The winner is only on court, but the champion is also off the court.”
– Incoming Hall of Famer Li Na on taking her status as a role model seriously after skyrocketing to national hero status in China after winning the French Open.
MARY PIERCE
The Early Years
2019 Hall of Fame inductee Mary Pierce began moving up the ranks from her very first day on a tennis court as a newbie 11-year-old, and she didn’t stop until she was among the top.
On Turning Pro
From junior phenom to 14-year-old pro, Mary Pierce's entry into the pro tour was fast and furious. In her own words, here's Mary's reflections on navigating the transition from Florida junior tennis to the WTA.
My Tennis Inspiration
Those who create history have an incredible power to inspire the next generation of greats. This was certainly the case for incoming Hall of Famer Mary Pierce who looked to a tennis legend whose elegance, mental toughness, consistency, and competitive spirit made her shine in Mary's eyes.
Playing My Game
As we gear up to welcome the powerful French great into the Hall of Fame, Class of 2019 Hall of Famer Mary Pierce reflects on what made her game stand out.
There's No Place Like Home
Enthusiastically embraced by the French fans from a young age, incoming Hall of Famer Mary Pierce gave the nation plenty to be proud of, as she led France to two Fed Cup titles and won both the singles and doubles titles at Roland-Garros. Here's Mary's story of how the fans in her adopted homeland were so key to helping her achieve success on court.
When you win one of the sport's top trophies, and know you still want more. "It added more motivation. It showed to me, wow, I can win a Grand Slam tournament at this level, where I still feel that I have so much I can improve in my game. It encouraged me and motivated me to want to work even harder and be even better." - Mary Pierce, singles champion at Australian Open and Roland-Garros.
Bravo! Mary Pierce, The French Open Champion
“That year I came into the tournament very different. My life had changed… totally changed me, changed my heart, changed how I see everything.” Incoming Hall of Famer Mary Pierce reflects on the 2000 French Open when she was firing on all cylinders -- and remembers hitting the "best shot" of her career.
YEVGENY KAFELNIKOV
The Early Years
It takes a village to create an all-time great champion - coaches, trainers, sponsors, and more. But, the integral member of 2019 Hall of Fame inductee Yevgeny Kafelnikov's village? His Dad. In his own words, here's how Yevgeny's Road to Newport began.
To Russia, with Love
As one of Russia's first tennis greats to make it on an international stage, Yevgeny Kafelnikov embraced a greater responsibility than playing only for himself. In his own words, here's the Class of 2019 Inductee's thoughts on representing his country along his road to the Hall of Fame.
Going for Gold
When playing for Russia, incoming Hall of Famer Yevgeny Kafelnikov had his eye on the podium and nothing else. Of the 2000 Games, the Olympic Gold Medalist recalled, "From the third round on, I approached every match like it was the last of my career."
Russia's First Major Champion
After beating three Spaniards on the clay, incoming Hall of Famer Yevgeny Kafelnikov knew something special was happening for him at the 1996 French Open.
Achieving the Second Slam
Goal-setting (and goal-crushing!) was a consistent aspect of Yevgeny Kafelnikov's career. Here's a look into the mentality of this former world No. 1, Olympic Gold Medalist, Davis Cup champion, Grand Slam Champion, and incoming Hall of Famer.