Tennis

USTA Northern California Inducts Tennis Luminaries into Hall of FameLast week, the USTA Northern California (NorCal) inducted five esteemed individuals into its Hall of Fame at the Round Hill Country Club in Alamo, California. The honorees included:* Cathie Anderson: A collegiate standout at UC Berkeley and a formidable tournament competitor.* Joel Drucker: A renowned tennis writer whose work has graced publications and broadcasts worldwide.* Jim McLennan (posthumous): A lifelong player, coach, and scientist who dedicated his life to the sport.* Carl Mendoza: A highly respected coach and instructor who has nurtured countless tennis enthusiasts.* Linda Seigel: A former US Open girls' champion who defeated Hana Mandlikova in the final.Among the inductees, Joel Drucker stands out for his exceptional contributions to tennis journalism. For over 35 years, he has captivated readers with his insightful writing, exploring the human stories and cultural nuances that make tennis more than just a game.Drucker's work has been featured in prestigious outlets such as HBO, CBS, Tennis Channel, Tennis.com, the New York Times, and Racquet. His articles have been recognized in the annual anthology, The Best American Sports Writing. As the historian-at-large for the International Tennis Hall of Fame, Drucker has played a pivotal role in preserving the sport's rich history.Driven by his childhood passion for tennis, Drucker began his writing career as a freelancer for Bay Area media outlets while working in public relations. In 1993, he transitioned to full-time freelancing, covering tennis events globally.Drucker's writing is characterized by its depth and engagement with the culture of tennis. He believes that the sport's human stories and textured layers contribute to its enduring appeal. One of his most acclaimed works is "Fingerprints," a twin profile of Hall of Fame player Pauline Betz and her daughter, poet Kim Addonizio.In addition to his journalistic contributions, Drucker has authored two books: "Jimmy Connors Saved My Life" and "Don't Bet on It," a tribute to his late wife, Joan Edwards.

Maria Sharapova, a five-time Grand Slam singles champion, and the legendary doubles duo of Bob and Mike Bryan are among the nominees for the International Tennis Hall of Fame Class of 2025.Sharapova, a former world No. 1, achieved a Career Grand Slam in singles, becoming the first Russian woman to top the WTA rankings. Her illustrious career includes 36 titles, including her first major triumph at Wimbledon in 2004 at the age of 17.The Bryan brothers, also former world No. 1s, have an unparalleled record in doubles. Together, they won 16 Grand Slam titles and an Olympic gold medal in 2012. Their 39 ATP Masters 1000 crowns and Career Golden Masters, where they won all nine active 1000-level tournaments, are testament to their dominance.Daniel Nestor, a 12-time major title holder, returns to the ballot for his third and final year of eligibility. He seeks to join his former rivals, the Bryans, in the Hall of Fame.Fan voting is now open, with 75% of the combined total required for election. The Class of 2025 will be announced in October.

Leander Paes' induction into the International Tennis Hall of Fame is a testament to his illustrious career. The Indian tennis legend, known for his exceptional doubles and mixed doubles prowess, has etched his name in the annals of the sport.Paes' journey began in a middle-class family in Kolkata, where his passion for sports was ignited. Inspired by his father's Olympic medal, he set his sights on achieving greatness. With unwavering determination and a relentless work ethic, Paes honed his skills and rose through the ranks.His breakthrough came at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, where he became the first Indian to win an individual Olympic medal in 44 years. His bronze in singles was a watershed moment for Indian sports, inspiring a generation of athletes.Paes' true calling, however, lay in doubles and mixed doubles. He formed a formidable partnership with Mahesh Bhupathi, and together they dominated the circuit, winning three Grand Slam titles and reaching the top of the world rankings. Paes also enjoyed success with other partners, including Martina Hingis and Cara Black, amassing a total of 18 Major titles.Beyond his on-court achievements, Paes has been a vocal advocate for Indian tennis. He has played a pivotal role in promoting the sport at the grassroots level and mentoring young players. His induction into the Hall of Fame is a fitting recognition of his contributions to the game.Paes' legacy extends beyond his trophy cabinet. He has inspired countless Indians to pursue their dreams and has been a role model for generations. His unwavering belief in himself and his ability to overcome adversity serve as a testament to the power of hard work and determination.