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Congratulations Class of 2014!

Jul 15th 2014
2014 International Tennis Hall of Fame

Former world No. 1 Lindsay Davenport, 5-time Paralympic champion Chantal Vandierendonck, legendary tennis coach Nick Bollettieri, tennis industry leader Jane Brown Grimes, and British tennis historian John Barrett were all presented the highest honor in tennis on Saturday, July 12 – the enshrinement in the International Tennis Hall of Fame. With thousands of cheering fans in the stands and perfectly pleasant summer weather, the Class of 2014 was celebrated in a grand ceremony on Center Court at Bill Talbert Stadium Court at the International Tennis Hall of Fame & Museum in Newport, R. I.

nick bolletieri inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame 2014

The ceremony closed with the enshrinement of former world No. 1 Lindsay Davenport, who was introduced by her childhood friend and now Tennis Channel colleague, Justin Gimelstob.

“Our final inductee is someone I care very deeply about and respect very much.  She personifies everything the International Tennis Hall of Fame is all about:  excellence, class, professionalism, authentic performance and a deep respect for the game.”

Lindsay Davenport Hall of Fame

Davenport, ever the humble champion, took in the enthusiastic support of the fans, and then thanked the coaches, colleagues, and friends and family who supported her over the years.

“To be up here on this stage and to share it with all the greatness that is up here is overwhelming. I was five years old when I first hit a tennis ball and a racquet was put in my hand.  I never wanted to learn another sport and I still don't. I loved playing this game. I never thought any of this would be possible. It always felt a little bit like an accident. This is an incredible honor for me, an amazing achievement. I will forever be humbled by this,” said Davenport.

The International Tennis Hall of Fame Class of 2014 will be honored in a tribute exhibit in the museum at the Hall of Fame for the year ahead. The exhibition features dynamic photography of all the enshrinees, and artifacts such as all three of Davenport's Grand Slam singles trophies, Bollettieri's sunglasses, a chair that Vandierendonck used for playing tennis, imagery of Brown Grimes working alongside the sport's greatest leaders, several of Barrett's books, and the white tennis balls that were in play at the 1980 Wimbledon final between Borg and McEnroe - for which Barrett did on-air commentary.