Jennifer Capriati to be inducted in International Tennis Hall of Fame – Tennis News
Former world number one, Jennifer Capriati, has been elected to the International Tennis Hall of Fame, it was announced on Friday. The American star will be inducted in the Recent Player category and is the final member of the
2012 class.
A jubilant Capriati said, while talking to the media, “I am thrilled to learn that I have been elected to the International Tennis Hall of Fame. This is a dream come true and an extraordinary tribute. I love this game and am incredibly
honoured by the Hall of Fame’s vote. Tennis has been my passion and dedication for my entire life.”
The American’s achievements include three Grand Slam titles, an Olympics Gold Medal and a Fed Cup title.
Playing her first Grand Slam at the age of just 14 years, Capriati reached the semi-finals at the French Open in 1990. The American stunned second seed, Arantxa Sanchez-Vicario, in the semi-final and top seed, Steffi Graf, in the
final to win a Gold Medal at the Barcelona Olympics in 1992.
Capriati remained sidelined from WTA Tour due to drug problems and a shoplifting scandal after the 1993 US Open for 14 months. The American achieved new heights in the 2001 season, as she upset top seed, Martina Hingis, to clinch
the Australian Open crown. She went on to win the French Open and defended her title at the Melbourne Park next year.
She won a total of 14 professional singles and one doubles tournaments, retiring in 2004 after getting stuck with career ending injuries.
WTA chairman and CEO, Stacey Allaster, also congratulated the American. Allaster said she was happy to know that Capriati is going to be inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame. Praising the American star, she said
that, Capriati is without any doubt one of the greatest tennis players, who worked really hard and truly deserved this honour.
Announcement of Capriati’s election completes the class for 2012 inductees, as Brazilian tennis star, Gustavo Kuerten; legendary Spanish player Manuel Orantes; tennis promoter Mike Davies and wheelchair tennis star, Randy Snow,
were already included in this year’s list.
Capriati said, “I can’t wait to go to Newport to express my sincere appreciation to my fans, and celebrate with them, my family, my coaches, and everyone else in the tennis community. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart.
I truly feel humbled to be a part of history and am honoured to be considered among the greatest of all time.”
The induction ceremony will be held on July 14, 2012 during the International Tennis Hall of Fame Tournament in Newport, USA.
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