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Industry News
ITHF Induction announced for 2017
Former world No . 1 ’ s Kim Clijsters and Andy Roddick have been elected to receive the highest honor in tennis - induction into the International Tennis Hall of Fame . Joining them in the Hall of Fame Class of 2017 will be Monique Kalkman-van den Bosch , a 4-time Paralympic medalist in wheelchair tennis , being honored for her remarkable career . Additionally , two individuals will be inducted in the Contributor Category . Steve Flink , a distinguished tennis historian and journalist has been elected for induction . Vic Braden , a groundbreaking tennis instructor who was among the fi rst to apply sports science to his instructional tactics will be inducted posthumously .
Andy Roddick , Monique Kalkman-van den Bosch , and Steve Flink will take part in a special ceremony on court at the Australian Open on Tuesday evening to celebrate their induction for the very fi rst time . More than 20 Hall of Fame tennis legends will gather on court at Rod Laver Arena at the Australian Open to officially welcome the Class of 2017 . Among those slated to participate are Rod Laver , Margaret Court , Ken Rosewall , Pat Rafter , Stan Smith , Lindsay Davenport , John McEnore , and many more . Of the honor , Roddick stated , “ It ’ s really special . I love this sport and I love being part of it . I ’ m moved to know that my presence in the sport will be forever part of tennis history , and I am just incredibly honored to be inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame . I look forward to the induction ceremony in Newport in July .” Clijsters was unable to travel to the festivities in Melbourne , as she recently gave birth to her third child . However , the 2011 Australian Open champion will be recognized via video sent to the arena . Of the induction honor , she stated , “ I feel very , very honored to be inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame . It is a huge honor to be amongst a list of so many great tennis players who I admired when I was growing up , and some great players who I played with in my tennis career as well .”
International Tennis Hall of Fame President and 1987 Hall of Famer Stan Smith stated , “ It ’ s a real pleasure to welcome these fi ve remarkable individuals into the Hall of Fame . Kim , Andy , and Monique compiled outstanding careers , winning the game ’ s biggest titles and ascending to the world No . 1 ranking . Steve ’ s lifelong dedication to chronicling the sport ’ s happenings and history has engaged and educated fans around the world . And , of course , we remember Vic Braden , who transformed how tennis is taught and how athletes are developed . I ’ m very pleased to congratulate the International Tennis Hall of Fame Class of 2017 and we look forward to celebrating them in Newport in July , and forever as Hall of Famers .”
The Class of 2017 will be offi cially inducted on July 22 , during Rolex Hall of Fame Enshrinement Weekend at the International Tennis Hall of Fame in Newport , Rhode Island . Tickets for the Induction Ceremony will go on sale in early February . In addition , the class will be celebrated in a tribute exhibit opening in June in the Museum at the International Tennis Hall of Fame , which will be displayed for one year .