A pair of former world No. 1 US Open champions— Kim Clijsters and Andy Roddick—lead the International Tennis Hall of Fame’s Class of 2017.
The former US Open champions have been inducted to the Newport, R.I.-based Hall along with Monique Kalkman-van den Bosch, a four-time Paralympic medalist in wheelchair tennis, being honored for her remarkable career.
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"It's really special,” Roddick said. “I love this sport and I love being part of it. I'm moved to know that my presence in the sport will be forever part of tennis history, and I am just incredibly honored to be inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame. I look forward to the induction ceremony in Newport in July."
Additionally, two individuals will be inducted in the Contributor Category.
Steve Flink, a distinguished tennis historian and journalist has been elected for induction. Vic Braden, a groundbreaking tennis instructor who was among the first to apply sports science to his instructional tactics will be inducted posthumously.
Andy Roddick, Monique Kalkman-van den Bosch, and Steve Flink will take part in a special ceremony on court at the Australian Open on Tuesday evening to celebrate their induction for the very first time.
More than 20 Hall of Fame tennis legends will gather on court at Rod Laver Arena at the Australian Open to officially welcome the Class of 2017. Among those slated to participate are Rod Laver, Margaret Court, Ken Rosewall, Pat Rafter, Stan Smith, Lindsay Davenport, John McEnore, and many more.
Clijsters was unable to travel to the festivities in Melbourne, as she recently gave birth to her third child. However, the 2011 Australian Open champion will be recognized via video sent to the arena. Of the induction honor, she stated, "I feel very, very honored to be inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame. It is a huge honor to be amongst a list of so many great tennis players who I admired when I was growing up, and some great players who I played with in my tennis career as well."
International Tennis Hall of Fame President and 1987 Hall of Famer Stan Smith stated, "It's a real pleasure to welcome these five remarkable individuals into the Hall of Fame. Kim, Andy, and Monique compiled outstanding careers, winning the game's biggest titles and ascending to the world No. 1 ranking. Steve's lifelong dedication to chronicling the sport's happenings and history has engaged and educated fans around the world. And, of course, we remember Vic Braden, who transformed how tennis is taught and how athletes are developed. I'm very pleased to congratulate the International Tennis Hall of Fame Class of 2017 and we look forward to celebrating them in Newport in July, and forever as Hall of Famers."
The Class of 2017 will be officially inducted on July 22, during Rolex Hall of Fame Enshrinement Weekend at the International Tennis Hall of Fame in Newport, Rhode Island.
Tickets for the Induction Ceremony will go on sale in early February. In addition, the class will be celebrated in a tribute exhibit opening in June in the Museum at the International Tennis Hall of Fame, which will be displayed for one year.
Photo credit: AP/International Tennis Hall of Fame