TennisWorthy presented by the International Tennis Hall of Fame

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THE BEST STORIES OF THE GAME, FROM the BEST PLAYERS IN THE GAME, THROUGH THE DEFINING VALUES OF OUR GAME.

This year, we’re taking you even deeper to share more stories and more moments from our archives and our Hall of Famers. Each month we’ll focus on a value that the sport of tennis and its greatest champions embody. From our youtube channel, to our social media feed, our podcast, and our website you’ll find inspirational stories and moments that pull at our heart strings and remind us why we fell in love with this game. The moments that gave us chills, that made us stand in our seats, that made our jaws drop – these are the moments that define our sport.

LEADERsHIP:

The ability of an individual, group, or organization to "lead", influence, or guide other individuals, teams, or organizations.

This October, we’re celebrating Hall of Famers who demonstrated leadership both on and off the court.

The videos below highlight tennis Hall of Famers Billie Jean King, Ken Rosewall, Martina Navratilova, and Butch Buchholz. Through their leadership and vision, they not only elevated the game but also inspired change, broke barriers, and led by example—shaping the future of tennis for generations to come.

Martina Navratilova, Sacrifice for Something Greater

After defecting from Czechoslovakia and leaving her family behind in 1975, Martina Navratilova made her first return to her home nation as part of the United States' Fed Cup team in 1986. Fellow Hall of Famers Pam Shriver and Hana Mandlikova join Martina in recounting the emotions, and her drive.

For October's TennisWorthy theme of Leadership, Patrick McEnroe and Chris Bowers focus on the attributes of leadership in tennis, both on and off the court. This all-new episode features interviews from former world No. 3 and Roger Federer's former coach, Ivan Ljubicic, and renowned Canadian doubles coach Louis Cayer.

Ljubicic discusses leadership in the wider tennis world, emphasizing the importance of getting information, listening, understanding, and then making decisions. He shares lessons from his time on the ATP Player Council and Board, noting that players need to be explained the reasoning behind decisions on and off the court.

Cayer, who currently coaches many successful British doubles teams, explains his leadership model for doubles partnerships. He discusses the roles of tactical and energy leaders, often suggesting a leader to the team. The energy leader provides "unconditional high positive energy," acts as a role model, is vocal, and helps a partner stay in the present. Cayer also encourages communication between partners, including using a "three-second rule" after a point to team up.

Yesterday

International Tennis Hall of Fame

Photos from International Tennis Hall of Fame's post

💫 TeamFAME is honored to be named the 2025 Partner in Education by the Newport Public Education Foundation!

At TeamFAME, partnership is everything: from our mentors and teachers to our community and families, it’s how our students learn, grow, and dream big both on and off the court.

Thank you, NPEF, for recognizing what’s possible when we work together to inspire the next generation. 💛🎾

“Partnership is truly at the heart of everything we do. We’re deeply honored that TeamFAME has been recognized as this year’s Partner in Education by the Newport Public Education Foundation. This award celebrates the power of collaboration — between Newport Public Schools, our dedicated staff, mentors, and the entire community — to help young people learn, grow, and believe in what’s possible.”

— Marguerite Marano, Executive Director, TeamFAME at the International Tennis Hall of Fame