Multipliers or Matches I would not call it a good idea. Four candidates were put out there and the top 3 each get a boost toward enshrinement. Goran Ivanisevic will get the largest boost with Conchita Martinez getting 2/3rds of Goran’s boost, and Jonas Bjorkman getting 1/3 of the boost. Poor Sergi Bruguera gets no…
Tag: International Tennis Hall of Fame
The Extremely Interesting 2019 Hall of Fame Class
Congratulations on your @TennisHalloFame induction, @KYevgeni! 👏🎉 — ATP Tour (@ATP_Tour) July 21, 2019 My Memories of Mary Pierce, Yevgeny Kafelnikov and Li Na The 2019 class of the International Tennis Hall of Fame admitted three qualified players this year. My Most Vivid Memory of Each: It’s official! I’m so grateful for this honor from…
Court/Real/Royal Tennis National Open Footage
I saw Court/Real/Royal Tennis for the first time when I visited the International Tennis Hall of Fame in Newport, RI in 1999. It gave me some context for things like the Tennis Court Oath from the French Revolution. Still, even watching it played for 10 minutes or so the notion of chases and galleries were…
Brad Gilbert Abides Again Regarding Del Potro and the Hall of Fame
@bgtennisnation JMDP has a US Open title, 1 silver & 1 bronze medal, 20 titles, & was part of a winning Davis Cup team. Closing in on HoF? — Dan Martin (@DanMartinTennis) October 22, 2017 Probably close https://t.co/VCGqA7dKSU — Brad Gilbert (@bgtennisnation) October 22, 2017
Newport, Bastad, & Umag 2017: July 21st Predictions
Newport [1] John Isner (USA) vs. Dennis Novikov (USA) H2H – Isner has to be favored, but his matches often involve tiebreaks. If Novikov can play well in tie breaks, he can pull the upset. [4] Pierre-Hugues Herbert (FRA) vs. Bjorn Fratangelo (USA) H2H – Could Frantangelo become the first Bjorn since 1980 to win a grass court title? Probably not. Bastad [7] Diego Schwartzman (ARG) vs. Andrey Kuznetsov (RUS) H2H – I’ll…
The Big 3’s 46 & the Big 5’s 52 Majors and the Hall of Fame
Two different friends and Sports Illustrated raised the question of who the International Tennis Hall of Fame will enshrine aside from the Big 5 on the men’s side. Consider that Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic have won 46 majors since July 2003. That amounts to 11.5 years worth of major crowns being claimed…
The Impact of 2016 on Hall of Fame Candidacies
Already In Entering 2016 Serena Williams, Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, Venus Williams, and Maria Sharapova entered 2016 with the status that only something devastating could prevent their eventual enshrinement. Novak’s Nole Slam & Masters 1000 hauls, Serena’s 22nd major, Rafa’s gold medal in doubles, and Venus’ silver medal in mixed doubles all added…
On the Origin of Contemporary Tennis – Part 3: Moving Away from Wooden Racquets
Billie Jean King won the US Championships, now the US Open, in 1967 using a Wilson T-2000 racquet. This was the first time someone won a major singles title using a non-wooden racquet. In 1974, Jimmy Connors went undefeated in Grand Slam play and dominated the men’s tour using the T-2000. It is odd to…
International Tennis Hall of Fame: Justine Henin and Marat Safin
Henin and Safin: Backhands To Remember Justine Henin Most Vivid Memory – I vividly recall an incredible match versus Jennifer Capriati at the 2003 US Open. Their semifinal clash seemed to be a match of power versus variety and movement. Both players were excellent in this match. As was expected, Capriati hit the ball hard, but…
Nick Bollettieri Enters the International Tennis Hall of Fame
Thoughts on Nick Bollettieri Nick Bollettieri’s impact on tennis is manifold. Tennis fans obviously know the linear story of Jimmy Arias and Aaron Krickstein emerging as the early stereotype of a Bollettieri player with a big topspin forehand and perhaps a more limited serve, backhand and net game. Krickstein’s injuries undercut his career as he…
Tennis Abides: Dan Martin on Tennis and Life 