“Have you ever dreamed of getting to the Tennis Hall of Fame?” I saw this question posed on a billboard not too long ago on Memorial Boulevard in Newport, Rhode Island. The billboard featured Chris Everett from the class of 1995, and it continued with something like this: “It takes hard work and dedication. Or you can just take a left at the next set of lights.” Last weekend was Hall of Fame Weekend 2010 in Newport. This year’s inductees, including doubles champions Todd Woodbridge and Mark Woodforde, joined 218 players from 19 countries, including Arthur Ashe ’85, Billie Jean King and Bjorn Borg ’87, Jimmy Connors ’98, John McEnroe ’99, Martina Navratilova ’00, and Pete Sampras ’07.
Nicolas Mahut, who battled John Isner for 11 hours and five minutes at Wimbledon this year in what is now known as “The Match,” donated some memorabilia to the museum. He also competed in the week-long Campbell’s Hall of Fame Tennis Championships for the Van Alen Cup, which coincides with the inductee celebration and was won by Mardy Fish. The tournament and the inductions make it an enjoyable time in Newport for any tennis fan.
Even if your game isn’t good enough for the Hall of Fame, you too can play on the same courts as the pros. That’s because the oldest grass courts in America, 13 in all, are open to the public for rental May through September, with reservations suggested. Next year’s Campbell’s Hall of Fame Championships take place from July 4–10. If you plan on being in town I’d love to meet with you, so stop by our office. We’re just a couple forehands away.
