Helena Suková took her place among the legends on Rod Laver Arena at the Australian Open.
The 14-time Grand Slam champion in doubles and mixed doubles and Wimbledon champion Michael Stich have been elected to receive tennis’ ultimate honor this year—induction into the International Tennis Hall of Fame.
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A celebratory announcement of the Class of 2018 was conducted in Rod Laver Arena at the Australian Open, when other Hall of Famers and tennis legends gathered on court to celebrate Stich and Suková’s election into the Hall of Fame.
Stich and Suková will be officially inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame on July 21, during Hall of Fame Weekend in Newport, Rhode Island.
In becoming Hall of Famers, Stich and Suková join an elite group of just over 250 individuals hailing from 23 nations who have received the honor, which recognizes their careers as being among the most accomplished and impactful in the history of tennis.
Both Suková and Stich will be inducted into the Hall of Fame in the Player Category. This is not a year of eligibility for the Hall of Fame’s other two categories – Contributor and Wheelchair.
“I’m very pleased to congratulate and welcome Michael and Helena in to the International Tennis Hall of Fame. Michael’s laser focus and the versatility in his game made him a Wimbledon champion, and today, those skills and accomplishments make him a Hall of Famer. Helena put up outstanding results at all four Slams, the Olympics, and in WTA competition for nearly two decades,” said Hall of Famer Stan Smith, who also serves as president of the Hall of Fame. “Being elected into the International Tennis Hall of Fame ensures that their careers and accomplishments will forever be distinguished as being among the greatest in our sport’s history. It’s a well-deserved honor for Helena and Michael, and we look forward to celebrating with them in Newport in July."
Photo credit: International Tennis Hall of Fame