Inside the Iconic International Tennis Hall of Fame
Photo by Kate Whitney Lucey.
By Marnie Kunz
The International Tennis Hall of Fame is one of tennis’ most prestigious institutions, honoring the legends who have made tennis into a global phenomenon. The tennis lover’s destination is located in Newport, Rhode Island, and is a celebration of excellence, sportsmanship, and legacy. Each year, the Tennis Hall of Fame welcomes a new class of inductees who have made a lasting impact on the game, and the 2025 class is no exception. In this article, we’ll delve into the history of the International Tennis Hall of Fame, highlight some of its most iconic moments, and introduce you to the newest members of this elite club.
Photo by Max Putier.
What Is the International Tennis Hall of Fame?
The International Tennis Hall of Fame was founded as the National Tennis Hall of Fame in 1954 in Newport, Rhode Island. The institution recognized the first class of inductees in 1955. In 1975, the National Tennis Hall of Fame became the International Tennis Hall of Fame with the induction of England’s Fred Perry. In 1986, the International Tennis Federation officially sanctioned the International Tennis Hall of Fame.
The International Tennis Hall of Fame’s mission is to preserve tennis history and honor the greatest players, contributors, and moments in the sport. Situated in the historic Newport Casino, a National Historic Landmark, the ITHAF is home to a tennis museum, grass courts, and the annual Hall of Fame Open tournament.
A Look Back: Hall of Fame History and Notable Inductees
Photo by Max Putier.
Since its founding, the International Tennis Hall of Fame has honored the sport’s greatest champions and contributors, serving as a living tribute to tennis history. With over 270 inductees from 28 countries, the Hall showcases the global reach and evolution of the game. Legends like Billie Jean King, Arthur Ashe, Martina Navratilova, and Björn Borg are among the iconic figures enshrined in Newport, Rhode Island. Each inductee represents excellence on the court and, often, lasting influence beyond it - through advocacy, leadership, or cultural impact.
Over the decades, the Hall has evolved from a traditional museum into a dynamic, interactive space that preserves and shares tennis heritage with a worldwide audience. Renovations have modernized the museum with immersive digital exhibits, behind-the-scenes footage, player memorabilia, and tributes to trailblazers across eras and continents.
The Hall also plays a vital role in educating tennis fans and preserving the sport’s history through digital archives, global outreach programs, and its annual Induction Ceremony, which draws tennis lovers from around the world. As tennis continues to grow across continents, the International Tennis Hall of Fame remains a central pillar in celebrating the sport’s rich past and shaping its legacy for the future.
Meet the 2025 International Tennis Hall of Fame Inductees
Bob Bryan, Brett Haber, and Mike Bryan. Photo by Mark Higgins.
Maria Sharapova achieved a career Grand Slam in singles, becoming the first Russian woman to reach the World No. 1 ranking, a position she held on five separate occasions. As one of just ten women to complete a career Grand Slam, she won five major singles titles. With 36 WTA titles, 408 weeks inside the Top 5, and a silver medal at the 2012 London Olympics, Sharapova’s legacy is enduring. She is also a global icon and fan favorite, leading the Tennis Hall of Fame’s Fan Vote, which gives the top vote-getters bonus points in the official election.
Bob and Mike Bryan are the most successful doubles team in history. The Bryan brothers won 16 Grand Slam men’s doubles titles, completing a Career Golden Slam with Olympic gold at the 2012 London Games. They held the ATP doubles world No. 1 ranking for a record 438 weeks as a team. The American twins’astonishing consistency, which included winning at least one major for 11 consecutive years, 119 ATP titles, and a record 39 Masters 1000 titles, cemented their status as one of the most dominant men’s doubles teams in history.
The 2025 Induction Ceremony will take place on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025, at the International Tennis Hall of Fame in Newport, Rhode Island.
How Inductees Are Chosen
Inductees into the International Tennis Hall of Fame are selected through a rigorous nomination and voting process designed to honor excellence across all areas of the sport. Candidates are nominated in several categories, including Player, Contributor (for coaches, broadcasters, or executives), and Wheelchair Tennis, reflecting the Hall’s commitment to recognizing diverse achievements.
Once nominated, candidates are reviewed by a global voting panel that includes tennis journalists, historians, industry experts, and current Hall of Famers. In recent years, fans have also had a voice through the Hall of Fame Fan Vote, which can boost a nominee’s overall score. To be inducted, a candidate must receive at least 75% of the vote, ensuring only the most impactful figures in tennis earn a place in history.
Visiting the Hall of Fame: What to Expect
Photo by Mark Higgins.
Visiting the International Tennis Hall of Fame in Newport, Rhode Island, offers a unique and immersive experience for tennis fans and history lovers alike. The museum features a rich collection of interactive exhibits, championship trophies, vintage equipment, and personal memorabilia from tennis’ greatest legends. Visitors can take guided tours to learn behind-the-scenes stories or explore at their own pace, discovering how tennis has evolved across generations and continents.
Outside, guests can walk the historic grounds and even play on the legendary grass courts, which are open seasonally to the public. The Hall also hosts special events throughout the year, including the annual Induction Ceremony and the Hall of Fame Open, the only professional grass court tournament in North America, making it a must-visit destination for any tennis enthusiast.
The Hall’s Impact on Tennis
Beyond preserving the past, the International Tennis Hall of Fame plays an active role in shaping the future of tennis. Through youth outreach, education programs, and global initiatives, the Hall inspires the next generation of players and fans, using the stories of legendary athletes to spark passion and perseverance. Its international reach and ongoing efforts to spotlight diverse voices in tennis ensure that the sport’s legacy continues to grow in meaningful ways.
Honoring tennis greats isn’t just about celebration - it’s about connecting fans with the sport’s history, values, and potential. Whether you're a lifelong fan or new to the game, a visit to the International Tennis Hall of Fame or simply following its events, like the annual Induction Ceremony or Hall of Fame Open, offers a powerful reminder of what makes tennis timeless.
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Marnie Kunz is a writer and head blogger at Runstreet. She is based in Brooklyn, NY.
