Ivanisevic, Martinez Elected to the International Tennis HOF

Being inducted in the Hall of Fame is the highest honour for any tennis player in the world. It sums up the achievements of the player throughout his or her playing career.

Also, it recognizes the player’s transformative contributions to the sport of tennis. 

As of 2019, there are 257 Hall of Fame inductees from 26 countries. The Hall of Famers include John McEnroe, Kim Clijsters, Christ Evert, Martina Navratilova, Andre Agassi, and Martina Hingis.

Tennis Hall of Fame announced on January 28 that Goran Ivanisevic and Conchita Martinez are elected to the Class 2020 on July 18 at Newport, Rhode Island.

International Tennis Hall of Fame, Stan Smith, states, “Between their accomplishments on the court and the way they’ve represented themselves, their countries, and our sport, they are undoubtedly among the best of the best in tennis and are most deserving of tennis’ ultimate honour.”

2020 Hall of Fame inductee Goran Ivanisevic

A former world No. 2, Ivanisevic is the first Croatian to be inducted in the Hall of Fame. 

Ivanisevic is famous for his powerful and accurate left serves and volleys. Turned pro in 1988, he was an aggressive player who intimidates opponents through his forceful volleys.

His most iconic play happened when he played in Wimbledon as a wild card in 2001. Ivanisevic was No. 125 then but went on to defeat three other players who occupied the No. 1 ranking once in their career.

He proceeded to win the finals match against Patrick Rafter. 

Ivanisevic was a part of the Hopman Cup and Davis Cup-winning teams of 1996 and 2005, respectively. He retired in 2004.

He began coaching in 2013 with Marin Čilić. He is currently a part of Novak Djokovic’s coaching team.

Ivanisevic in stats

• Won 22 ATP singles titles and 599 on-tour matches
• Has nine doubles titles 
• 2x Olympic medalist (singles bronze and doubles bronze, 1992)
• Has six coachee singles

2020 Hall of Fame inductee Conchita Martinez

Martinez was ranked No. 2 in 1995. She also reached No. 7 in doubles rankings. She also turned pro in 1988.

Martinez is a right-handed baseliner. She is capable of changing spin, pace, rhythm, angle, depth, and height to destruct her rivals. 

She is known to reject the traditional handshake after each match.

Her Wimbledon singles win in 1994 is considered a classic. Martinez defeated Martina Navratilova, a nine-time champion then. 

She played in the Australian and French Opens singles finals match in 1998 and 2000, respective.

She was also a part of the Spanish team who won a total of Fed Cup titles throughout the 1990s. 

She retired in 2006.

Martinez currently coaches Garbiñe Muguruza, who is also former No. 1.

Martinez in stats

• Won 33 singles WTA and three ITF titles 
• Has 13 doubles titles 
• Won four consecutive Internazionali BNL d’Italia titles (1993 to 1996)
• 3x Olympic medalist (doubles silver (1992), doubles bronze (1996), and doubles silver (2004)

These are just two names, though. The full list of the Class 2020 inductees will be announced during the Australian Open Finals.

Featured Image Source

Who do you think should be included in 2020 Tennis Hall of Fame inductees?