International Tennis Hall of Fame releases Class of 2016 nominees

JUSTINE HENIN, Marat Safin and Helena Sukova have all been nominated for induction into the International Tennis Hall of Fame. / COURTESY INTERNATIONAL TENNIS HALL OF FAME
JUSTINE HENIN, Marat Safin and Helena Sukova have all been nominated for induction into the International Tennis Hall of Fame. / COURTESY INTERNATIONAL TENNIS HALL OF FAME

NEWPORT – The International Tennis Hall of Fame has released its class of 2016 nominees, Justine Henin, Marat Safin and Helena Sukova.
Henin, a former Women’s Tennis Association tour world No. 1 and seven-time major champion; Safin, a two-time major champion and former world No. 1 on the ATP World Tour; and Sukova, who won 14 doubles titles, all are nominated in the recent player category.
Said Henin, “The Hall of Famers are individuals who I have admired from the time I was a young girl, throughout my career, and to this day. To be nominated for induction into this group and to have my career recognized in this way is a great honor, and I thank the committee for the nomination.”
Stan Smith, president and chairman of the Enshrinee Nominating Committee, said in a statement that Henin, Safin and Sukova “all consistently demonstrated their excellence as tennis players and their commitment to our sport” throughout their careers.
“They worked relentlessly toward tennis’ top goals and as a result, achieved world No. 1 status, won the sport’s top trophies, and inspired fans and peers worldwide. They’ve left a lasting and positive impact on tennis, and it is a pleasure to announce their nomination to receive our sport’s highest honor, induction into the International Tennis Hall of Fame,” said Smith, who was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1987.
Two players also have been nominated posthumously in the master player category – Yvon Petra, a French player of the 1940s, and Margaret Scriven, a British tennis champion in the 1930s.
Smith said Petra claimed a Wimbledon title after five years as a prisoner of war, and Scriven won two back-to-back singles titles at the French Championships.
“Their success is part of the sport’s storied history, and we’re glad to recognize their accomplishments,” Smith said.
The induction ceremony is slated for July 16.

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