BE LEGENDARY: HOW THE INTERNATIONAL TENNIS HALL OF FAME IS INSPIRING THE NEXT GENERATION THROUGH TENNIS
What if learning from the legends of the game could help shape the legends of tomorrow?
That’s the heart behind Be Legendary, a 2025 global initiative from the International Tennis Hall of Fame designed to inspire and empower youth through tennis. Aimed at players aged 10-18, the program brings the Hall of Fame to life in cities around the world by combining lessons, historic artifacts, and on-court experiences with some of the game’s greatest champions.
Take a look at the first four stops of this growing movement—and the instant impact that the Be Legendary program is having in cities across the globe.
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Melbourne, Australia
Be Legendary kicked off in Melbourne during the Australian Open, in partnership with Tennis Australia. More than 60 of the country’s top junior players from the Super 10s National Camp participated in an unforgettable week featuring Aussie legend Ash Barty and Hall of Famer Lleyton Hewitt.
In sessions focused on respect and determination, kids explored historic tennis artifacts in the Legend’s Locker, participated in curated on-court drills, and heard first hand stories from Barty and Hewitt about staying true to their values—even at the highest level of competition.
The week concluded with a gratitude activity and the presentation of Be Legendary medals, celebrating the character these young players demonstrated both on and off the court.
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Dallas, Texas
In February, Be Legendary arrived in Dallas during the Dallas Open with Hall of Famer and Program Ambassador Kim Clijsters leading the day.
Participants from the Dallas Tennis Association NJTL chapter focusedon building confidence in one’s own abilities and expressing gratitude toward the people who support us. Kids shared personal stories, reflected on their tennis journeys, and worked directly with Clijsters on court, where she emphasized positive self-talk and resilience through every drill.
By the end of the day, the students didn’t just improve their tennis skills—they left with a stronger sense of who they are and the power of showing appreciation.
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Indian Wells, California
In March, Be Legendary stopped in the California desert during the BNP Paribas Open with an experience that brought teamwork and mindfulness to the forefront.
Participants from Grassroots Junior Tennis and Desert Hot Springs High School joined Kim Clijsters and the legendary Bryan Brothers, Bob and Mike, for two days that included the unique experience of watching today's professionals compete.
The Bryans brought the team spirit, running doubles drills and games that emphasized communication and support. Clijsters focused on mindfulness, helping players gain tools they can use long after the match is over.
Following the on-court activities, kids had the opportunity to head to the BNP Paribas Open to explore the grounds of a professional tennis tournament and see for themselves how players use teamwork and mindfulness in competition. They even stopped by the Letters to Greatness activation and give their congratulations messages to Bob and Mike Bryan, members of the International Tennis Hall Fame’s Class of 2025.
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Miami, Florida
The most recent stop took place during the Miami Open with Hall of Famer and Spanish icon Arantxa Sánchez Vicario guiding a new group of young players through a session focused on competitive spirit.
Known for her fearless court presence and never-back-down attitude, Sánchez Vicario helped kids channel their inner fire. Through drills, storytelling, and group challenges, she showed them how to compete with heart while maintaining integrity, joy, and love for the game.
After wrapping up their on-court session with Sánchez Vicario, the kids had a chance to experience the excitement of the professional game up close. Kids kicked off the afternoon by taking part in an intimate Q&A session with Grand Slam Champion Rajeev Ram and WTA player Anna Blinkova. Both athletes offered insight into their journeys, training routines, and the mental side of competing on Tour — all while encouraging the kids to dream big. Afterwards, kids got the chance to watch today’s tennis stars in action, taking in matches featuring Aryna Sabalenka and Naomi Osaka. For many, it was their first time attending a pro tournament — and a powerful reminder of how tennis can inspire the next generations to become the best version of themselves.
Up Next ...
With four unforgettable stops already in the books, Be Legendary is just getting started.
Coming soon:
London – July 2025
Newport, Rhode Island – August 2025 (Hall of Fame Induction Weekend
Santa Barbara, California - November 2025
New York City – December 2025
