Tennis

The International Tennis Hall of Fame has honored tennis legend Chris Evert by renaming its Canfield House building as the Chris Evert Learning Center. The dedication ceremony took place during the Infosys Hall of Fame Open, with Evert and tennis greats Martina Navratilova, Kim Clijsters, Stan Smith, Tracy Austin, Rosie Casals, and Rick Draney in attendance.The Learning Center serves as the headquarters for TeamFAME, a sport-based youth development program that reaches hundreds of young people in Newport, Rhode Island. Evert's contributions to grassroots tennis and education initiatives inspired the renaming, according to the Hall of Fame.Evert expressed her gratitude for the recognition, stating that the Hall of Fame holds a special place in her heart. She praised TeamFAME's efforts in providing tennis and educational support to the community, emphasizing the ripple effects of their work globally.TeamFAME is part of the National Junior Tennis and Learning (NJTL) network, which brings tennis and education programs to underprivileged children. Evert serves as chairperson of the USTA Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the USTA, which sponsors NJTL chapters across the United States.International Tennis Hall of Fame CEO Dan Faber lauded Evert's impact on and off the court, describing her as the embodiment of a Hall of Famer. He highlighted her dedication to developing tennis and education programs that have benefited countless children and families.The Tennis Forever Capital Campaign funded the Learning Center project, along with other initiatives such as resurfacing the iconic grass courts, digitizing the museum collection, and preservation projects on the property.

International Tennis Hall of Fame Reschedules Enshrinement Ceremony, Introduces Combined TournamentThe 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.

Tennis Channel will broadcast the International Tennis Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony live on Saturday, July 20, at 6 p.m. ET. The event will take place during the Infosys Hall of Fame Open in Newport, Rhode Island, and will honor eight-time Grand Slam doubles champion Leander Paes, player, broadcaster, and promoter Vijay Amritraj, and reporter, author, and tennis historian Richard Evans.Brett Haber, a longtime Tennis Channel commentator and host, will serve as the master of ceremonies for the induction ceremony. A special edition of Tennis Channel Live will air before the event at 5 p.m. ET, featuring network analysts and former players Chanda Rubin and Robbie Koenig.Tennis Channel will provide extensive coverage of the North American summer tennis season, including more than 340 hours of live matches and 365 hours of encore replays. The eight tournaments featured in the "Summer in the Cities" programming are the Infosys Hall of Fame Open, Atlanta Open, Mubadala Citi DC Open, National Bank Open presented by Rogers, Cincinnati Open, Tennis in the Land, Winston-Salem Open, and Abierto GNP Seguros 2024.Tennis Channel+ will offer on-demand matches upon their conclusion. The tournaments will be part of Tennis Channel's Center Court coverage, which includes other events worldwide.Tennis Channel and its sibling network T2 are the only television-based multiplatform destinations dedicated to both professional tennis and the tennis lifestyle. The networks have the most concentrated single-sport coverage in television, with multiple men's and women's tournaments and singles, doubles, and mixed competition throughout the year.Tennis Channel and T2 have rights to the four majors – US Open, Wimbledon, Roland Garros (French Open), and Australian Open – and are the exclusive U.S. homes of all men's ATP World Tour and women's WTA Tour competitions, Davis Cup, Billie Jean King Cup, United Cup, and Laver Cup.Direct-to-consumer streaming service Tennis Channel+ is available to everyone in the United States and allows subscribers to select from another 4,500 live and on-demand matches and award-winning content throughout the tennis season.

Newport, Rhode Island: A Tennis Haven with Coastal Charm and Gilded Age GlamourNestled on the picturesque Aquidneck Island, Newport is a destination that seamlessly blends the allure of tennis with the charm of a coastal retreat. Home to the prestigious International Tennis Hall of Fame, Newport has long been a magnet for tennis enthusiasts and discerning travelers alike.The city's rich history is intertwined with the sport, dating back to the late 19th century when Newport became a summer playground for wealthy industrialists and socialites. These elite families built opulent mansions along the waterfront, creating an architectural legacy that continues to captivate visitors today.The International Tennis Hall of Fame, located on the site of the former U.S. National Lawn Tennis Championship, is a must-visit for tennis fans. The museum houses an extensive collection of artifacts and memorabilia, tracing the evolution of the sport from its humble beginnings to its modern-day status as a global phenomenon.Beyond tennis, Newport offers a plethora of activities and attractions. Visitors can embark on sailing excursions, indulge in fine dining at waterfront restaurants, or explore the city's historic landmarks. The Gilded Age mansions, with their intricate facades and lavish interiors, provide a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of Newport's past.Newport has also gained recent popularity as a filming location for the HBO series "The Gilded Age." Fans of the show can visit the opulent mansions featured in the series and immerse themselves in the era of extravagant wealth and social hierarchy.Accommodation options in Newport range from luxurious boutique hotels to charming historic inns. The Vanderbilt, a former Vanderbilt family mansion, offers a taste of American royalty with its rooftop bar and elegant accommodations. The Hotel Viking, the official hotel of the ATP Hall of Fame Open, combines resort amenities with sophisticated design.For a unique experience, consider staying at the Gilded, a modern design hotel housed in a historic home. Its bold interiors and punchy design create a memorable and stylish stay.Whether you're a tennis enthusiast, a history buff, or simply seeking a coastal escape, Newport offers an unforgettable blend of sports, culture, and coastal charm.