Original 9, Lleyton Hewitt elected to the International Tennis Hall of Fame Class of 2021
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The Original 9, Lleyton Hewitt
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In the latest results announced by the International Tennis Hall of Fame, the Original 9 alongside Lleyton Hewitt and Dennis Van der Meer will be inducted into the Class of 2021. The Hall of Fame includes the likes of legendary players like Andre Agassi, Arthur Ashe among many others.
“It’s a pleasure to welcome these tennis greats into the International Tennis Hall of Fame,” Hall of Fame President Stan Smith said. “Lleyton Hewitt always competed hard until the last ball was hit, and this is very apparent in the Hall of Fame resume he built, which includes a Wimbledon trophy, a US Open trophy, two Davis Cups, and being World No. 1,” he added.
It was a memorable 40th birthday for Lleyton Hewitt as he was only of the five players nominated to have been inducted into the Hall of Fame. The two time Grandslam champion was overcome with emotions and was honored to be included in the Hall of Fame.
“I am hugely honored to be inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame,” Hewitt said. “When you are competing, you’re so focused on training and your results that week or that year, you don’t really look ahead to something like this. But when that is all compiled up and deemed deserving of becoming a Hall of Famer, well, it’s just the ultimate recognition for a player, and I’m so honored,” he added.
The Original 9 of women’s professional tennis included in the Hall of Fame
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The Original 9 of Women’s Tennis, comprising of Americans Peaches Bartkowicz, Rosie Casals, Julie Heldman, Billie Jean King, Kristy Pigeon, Nancy Richey and Valerie Ziegenfuss alongside the Australians, Judy Tegart Dalton and Kerry Melville Reid were inducted into the Hall of Fame. Innovative coach, Dennis Van der Meer will also be inducted into this prestigious club.
Billie Jean King was honored to be included in the Hall of Fame and become the first group to ever have been elected. She also extended her congratulations to Dennis Van der Meer and Lleyton Hewitt.
“This is one of the biggest honors we’ve ever had,” she said. “We’re all so excited because of what we went through together. The nine of us were willing to give up our careers for the rest of our lives and never play again for this opportunity to start something. Now, to be honored together for having an impact on tennis history and being part of the International Tennis Hall of Fame together is just terrific,” she added.
“I’d also like to add my congratulations to rest of the Class of 2021. My friend and coach Dennis Van der Meer was a brilliant tennis mind and instrumental in our sport’s growth. Lleyton Hewitt always gave 100 percent on the court and he is a true Hall of Famer,” the American continued.
“The Original 9 were true trailblazers in tennis history. It took a lot of courage to do what they did, and we have today’s incredible WTA Tour to thank for it, as well as opportunities for women in so many other sports. It’s also a pleasure to celebrate Dennis Van der Meer, who was a tremendous coach, teacher, and real visionary for the future of the sport,” Stan Smith said.