Tennis Hall of Fame: That’s a Wrap
Monday, July 20, 2015
The Champions have been crowned, the prizes awarded, the trophies hoisted, and the inductees enshrined. The work is done and the seats and boxes of the Tennis Hall of Fame are now empty. And, the planning to put on next year’s tournament and induction will begin soon enough. Today is a day to reflect and honor the champs and the inductees and the folks who make the tournament possible; The Board of Directors of the Tennis Hall of Fame in particular outgoing chair, Chris Clouser, whose vision and motivation have grown the venue, the tournament, the museum and the Hall of Fame into a global destination and the true repository of the sport. Kudos must be given to new ITHOF CEO, Todd Martin for his great work in his inaugural tournament. Gratitude must be shared with all the Hall of Famers and inductees and their families who make Bill Talbert Center Court the absolute center of the tennis universe on induction Saturday. The tournament does not happen without the core of volunteers who give time and talent to make the venue and event shine. Cuteness and stamina awards always go to the outstanding ball kids who work tirelessly, look good and are truly ambassadors of the game. All of these folks are the backbone of the tennis and events that play out on the world stage as “Tennis Week” in Newport happens. It reall y does take a village.
But really, it is about tennis. This year the tennis was superb as Newport favorite, Rajeev Ram emerged from a strong field of top players to hoist the Van Alen Cup. Perhaps his 1st round victory over the #1 seed John Isner was foreshadowing. On Sunday, Ram and Ivo Karlovic played a compelling final; each displaying magnificent grass court games. The 3 set match was close and delighted the crowd with big serves, skillful rallies, precise volleys and fabulous touch. Ram took the title 7-6, 6-4, 7-6.
The doubles title was captured by Jonathan Marray and Aisam-Ul-Haqthey Qureshi. They defeated the team of Nicholas Monroe and Mate Pavic. Monroe was the only American left in doubles draw. I spoke with Monroe right before the match. He was upbeat and happy to be in the city by the sea on the final day. “I have never played Newport but, this is a wonderful tournament. The people and fans are terrific, it is a beautiful place and I look forward to coming back.” Monroe’s smile said it all, and he and Pavic pushed hard and came up a little short. I have no doubt Nick Monroe will be back. WOW, it really was a great year for tennis.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTWith “Tennis Week” is in the rear view mirror, let us take a look back, as it was a jammed packed week at the Tennis Hall of Fame. #seeyounextyear
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.
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