ITHF Reschedules Enshrinement, Introduces Combined Tournament

International Tennis Hall of Fame Reschedules Enshrinement Ceremony, Introduces Combined Tournament

The International Tennis Hall of Fame (ITHF) has announced significant changes to its annual events, aiming to enhance the visibility and impact of its enshrinement ceremony and introduce a new combined tournament.

Starting in 2024, the ITHF's enshrinement ceremony will be moved to August, coinciding with the eve of the US Open. This strategic shift is intended to garner greater attention from the tennis world and align with the peak of the tennis season.

In addition, the ITHF will host a new combined men's and women's 125-level tournament in 2025. This tournament will replace the men's 250-level event that is being discontinued from the ATP schedule after this week. The combined Hall of Fame Open, scheduled for July 6-13, will be the only grass-court women's tournament outside of Europe. It marks the first time the ITHF has hosted a women's pro tournament since the 1990 Virginia Slims of Newport.

"We are thrilled to provide fans with double the tennis starting next summer," said tournament director Brewer Rowe. "The combined tournament will offer a unique opportunity to showcase both men's and women's tennis at the highest level."

For decades, the ITHF has hosted a men's tournament the week after Wimbledon, with the Hall of Fame inductions held on Saturday alongside the semifinals. This week, Leander Paes, Vijay Amritraj, and Richard Evans will be inducted into the hall in conjunction with the final edition of the 250 tournament.

The ITHF's decision to reschedule its enshrinement ceremony and introduce a combined tournament reflects its commitment to innovation and growth. By aligning with the US Open and offering a platform for both men's and women's tennis, the ITHF aims to further elevate its status as a premier destination for tennis enthusiasts.

Tags: #InternationalTennisHallofFame, #EnshrinementCeremony, #CombinedTournament, #GrassCourtTennis, #WomensTennis