slides: Tennis Hall of Fame: A View from the Fans

Saturday, July 18, 2015

Carol Anne Costa, GoLocalProv Contributor

Ivo Karlovic

As the sun set over the Hall of Fame on Friday evening, the main draw is into the semifinal round and the fans enjoyed a week's worth of fabulous tennis. With only five matches left to play the fans are in store for a great finish to a great tournament, capped off with the induction of the class of 2015 into the International Tennis Hall of Fame.

Then there were 4…

Karlovic dominated Dustin Brown in the second set to take the match 7-6, 6-3. Sadly, Jan Hernych had to withdraw after a nasty fall in the second game of the first set. A true sportsman Jack Sock helped Herncyh to the side lines. Sock did not see this as any distinct advantage going into the semis. He said, “I still have to practice and play Ivo.”

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Rajeev Ram (USA), John-Patrick Smith (AUS), Jack Sock (USA) [4] and Ivo Karlovic (CRO) (2), two of these men will be here on Sunday to battle for the Van Alen Cup. Rajeev Ram will bring his serve and volley style to the grass, Jack Sock will no doubt bring his cool attitude and scrappy style of play, Ivo Karlovic will for sure rely heavily on his big serve and long reach. while J.P. Smith will bring be armed with a well rounded game. The semi’s promise to excitement on the Bill Talbert stadium court and tennis fans will benefit.

Class of 2015

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The weekend begins with the induction of the class of 2015: Amelie Mauresmo, David Hall and Nancy Jeffet. Tennis fans will enjoy the pomp and circumstance of the induction ceremony on stadium, the last ceremony presided over by outgoing ITHOF Chairman, Chris Clouser.

Amélie Mauresmo became the first Frenchwoman in history to climb to the top of the world rankings. Mauresmo first ascended to the No. 1 slot for five weeks on September 13, 2004, thanks in large part to reaching the semifinals at Wimbledon and the quarterfinals at the Australian, French and US Open. Mauressmo, who is very pregnant, will not be present and will be celebrated on stadium at a future date.
David Hall joins an illustrious group for his prowess in wheelchair tennis, his records and accomplishments among the greatest the sport of tennis has witnessed.
Nancy Jeffett has been dedicated to the growth of the sport of tennis for more than 30 years. She easily is one of the most prominent women in tennis history. Her lifelong support of the game makes her a tremendous contributor to the sport.

Induction begins at 1:00 PM and matches begin at 2:00 PM, they will be broadcast on Tennis Channel.

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Carol Anne Costa in addition to being a MINDSETTER for GoLocalProv has solid roots in the tennis world. Costa founded the Rhode Island High School Tennis Coaches Association. A Rhode Island Interscholastic High School Coach from 1981–1990. She is also a Rhode Island High School Tennis Coaches Hall of Famer, inducted in the class of 2011. Carol will be reporting from the grass courts of International Tennis Hall of Fame on the tennis and so much more, as the Hall of Fame Championships main draw singles and doubles are underway.

Related Slideshow: Tennis Hall of Fame Championships - Day 5 Action

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Karlovic dominated Dustin Brown in the second set to take the match 7-6, 6-3.

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Jack Sock did not expend much energy in his vctory, as Hernyh was injured in the 2nd game of the 1st set. Sock did not consider that an advantage as her stated, " I still must practice and then play Ivo." Sock possesses a calm and affable personalty and was genuinely concerned about the injury to Hernych.