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International Tennis Hall of Fame – Class of 2024 Induction

Florian Buechtingby Florian Buechting

The highlight of my trip to the Infosys Hall of Fame Open 2024 was of course the Saturday evening ceremony. Apart from British journalist legend Richard Evans, two Indian tennis people were inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame. With Vijay Amtritraj, an absolute legend of Indian sports in the 1970’s and 1980’s was honored for his merits of spreading the sports to Asia. I was even more proud and happy to fulfill my promise to Leander Paes, my friend, sports idol and absolute legend of tennis, To be with him in this moment, which somehow had to happen one day. I introduced you to the three inductees in my preview post already, so that this post is solely concentrating on the ceremony as such.

This posting comes with 538 major size pictures in a dedicated event section of the sports gallery.

 

The ATP Tour Coverage from Newport is done in collaboration with

Texts for these posting have been partially provided by Himanshu Bhaghat, who is working with me in Rhode Island.

 

International Tennis Hall of Fame – Class of 2024

I introduced you to the three inductees to the International Tennis Hall of Fame already in my preview post to the Infosys Hall of Fame Open 2024. Namely, they are:

  • Richard Robert Ingham Evans, aged 85 years, British journalist, author and historian, who has followed over 200 Grand Slam tournaments as a journalist and wrote several books about tennis
  • Vijay Amritraj, aged 70 years, former Indian tennis professional (15 career titles in singles, 14 in doubles), who has been inducted as a contributor to tennis, especially for broadcasting the sports to Asia
  • Leander Adrian Paes, former Indian professional tennis player, 1 singles titled, Olympic bronze medalist 1996 in singles, 18 Grand Slam titles in doubles (men / mixed), winning all four major tournaments, Davis Cup record holder.

Leander and Vijay were the first Asian men in their category to be nominated as members of the International Tennis Hall of Fame.

 

International Tennis Hall of Fame 2024 Induction – The Ceremony

After introductory speeches by Kim Clijsters, President of the International Tennis Hall of Fame, and Chris Evert, inductee in the class of 1995, the three new members have been presented and inducted. The first one in that ceremony was Vijay Amritraj, whose honorary speech was held by his son Prakash Amritraj, former Indian Davis Cupper and nowadays well-rewarded as a tennis commentator. He pointed out the special role of his father in his life. He also focused on Vijay being a role model for colored people to become great in the world of sports. Apart from thanking his family, Vijay also pointed out the importance of the sport of bringing people together in peace.

The second inductee in the ceremony was Richard Evans. He also was honored by his son, who pointed out that his father knows so many stories about the sports – and there are still many more he does not know. Richard Evans explained that he came to tennis by chance. As a young journalist in London, he was assigned to cover a Wimbledon tournament. He also pointed out the great legends of sports. Namely, he for example mentioned Arthur Ashe, Jack Kramer or Ted Tinling. After that speech, Vijay also received his induction medal – something they have missed before.

Leander Paes’ Induction

The induction speech for Leander Paes was held by Tennis Hall of Fame member Martina Navratilova. Apart from listing some of his record, she stated that she loved playing against him, but even more loved playing with him. I think Leander plays tennis the way most of us would like to play. She also praised his contribution to her last major titles and his passion for the sports. Leander received the induction medal from his daughter Aiyana.

During Leander’s speech, the Indian tennis legend found out that he had the wrong medal, so that he received the right one, from Richard Evans. Leander shared the history he has with Vijay Amritraj and Richard Evans, just as he did in the press conference. Leander praised his family, but also the Hall of Famers on site, who have been inspiring role models for him throughout his life. Every single one of these people have shaped the world that we live in. I want to thank you so much for giving this Indian boy hope. He finally emphasized that he wants to use his new role in the Hall of Fame to inspire kids around the world.

 

International Tennis Hall of Fame 2024 Induction – Brunch with Legends

In the morning the inductees were honored in the Bruch with Legends presented by Brooks Brothers. At this opportunity, Richard, Vijay and Leander also received their Hall of Fame jackets. Here are some snaps of the event.

 

International Tennis Hall of Fame 2024 Induction- The Gallery

In the 2024 Infosys Hall of Fame Open section of my sports gallery, there is a designated major size picture gallery with 538 pictures of the ceremony at

 

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4 thoughts on “International Tennis Hall of Fame – Class of 2024 Induction”

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