HALL OF FAME CELEBRITY PRO CLASSIC PRESENTED BY FIDELITY INVESTMENTS SPARKS IT UP AT THE ITHF

by Joel Drucker, ITHF Historian-at-Large

Going back to the days when Hollywood notables such as the hilarious Marx Brothers and the swashbuckling actor Errol Flynn mixed it up with future Hall of Famers Ellsworth Vines and Fred Perry, thousands of events featuring pro tennis players and celebrities have lit up the tennis galaxy.

But while it’s one thing for a pro-celebrity event to take place at a longstanding club, new facility, or even a private court, the convergence of tennis history and contemporary fame becomes altogether different when it takes place at the International Tennis Hall of Fame (ITHF), inside Bill Talbert Stadium, in front of more than 2,000 fans. So it was that this Friday afternoon, at the venue where the past lives and breathes most vividly, with Maria Sharapova and the Bryan brothers set to be inducted into the ITHF Saturday evening, the Hall of Fame Celebrity Classic presented by Fidelity Investments nicely blended laughter and legends.

Kicking off and hosting the three-hour festivities, the dynamic broadcasting duo of Nick McCarvel and Blair Henley, subsequently joined in their broadcast booth located behind the court by such notables as Sharapova, ’92 inductee Tracy Austin, and ’95 inductee Chrissie Evert. Setting the tone in the opener were ’17 inductees Kim Clijsters and Andy Roddick, paired respectively with comedian Hannah Berner and Emmy-winning actress Uzo Aduba, in a match chaired by Angela Kinsey, most known for her longstanding role on “The Office.” Said Sharapova, “This is just one big celebration.” Her comment came shortly before Roddick grabbed a jumbo-sized racquet and volleyed one ball after another. Roddick’s need for such a frame came well after he’d been passed by Berner, who lettered at the University of Wisconsin.

Later came fun matches featuring the Bryan brothers and ’07 inductee Arantxa Sanchez Vicario, as well as a lively set of shot-making pitting Bob, Mike, and their fellow members of America’s ’07 championship Davis Cup team, Roddick and James Blake. Hall of Fame emcee Brett Haber skillfully chaired that one. Former ITHF president and ’87 inductee Stan Smith, sharply clad in his Hall of Fame blazer and signature sneakers, also enjoyed a stint in the chair. With all of the players on their best, most humorous and light behavior, there was zero need to apply any Code of Conduct regulations. Said Austin, “Being here is the culmination of being in the sport.”

ITHF CEO Dan Faber concurred. “It’s very enjoyable and fun for the fans,” said Faber as he watched the Bryans rapidly exchange one volley after another. “What we’re trying to do is be inspirational for all generation, and by having the Hall of Famers and celebrities here together, it brings excitement to what induction weekend is all about.”