Serena Williams, Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, Billie Jean King, and Other Elite Stars Feature in Tennis Hall of Fame’s Unique Tennis Awards

Having its history dating back to the 12th century, Tennis has always been a sport having a rich past. Over the years, the sport has seen some of the biggest names in the game coming up and taking the center stage for years. During their reign, these players give some of the most iconic moments of the game to the tennis world.

Living those moments, these players are given high regard at that time. However, as time passes, these contributions are often forgotten.

Yesterday, April 13, The International Tennis Hall of Fame honored these iconic moments by announcing the Iconic Moments in Tennis History. Tennis fans around the globe will have the opportunity to vote in a total of 5 categories in this one-of-its-kind tennis honor.

Opening from April 15, tennis admirers will be able to vote in categories like Most Epic Rivalry, Best Cinderella Story, Best Comeback Within a Match, Most Iconic Celebration, and Best Moment of National Pride. Once the votes are in place, the voting will end on April 30. The voting will take place on the official website of the International Tennis Hall of Fame (tennisfame.com).

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Diving deeper, it is also learned that fans voting from the United States of America have an added advantage. As per the ITHF, tennis fans in the USA will get a chance to win a trip for two to the ITHF’s Enshrinement Weekend. The trip is scheduled to be held between July 15-17 in Newport, Rhode Island.

The unique point of Iconic Moments in Tennis History?

During an award ceremony, a major point of conflict often arises on the fact that who will decide the nominees. However, that doesn’t seem to be the case in the Iconic Moments in Tennis History. The nominees for the one-of-its-kind honors were closely worked upon and decided by a panel of tennis experts.

The deciding panel consisted of journalists, historians, and Hall of Famer Steve Flink. The panel also consisted of the ITHF Historian-at-Large Joel Drucker and ITHF Emerging Leaders Council representative Nina Pantic.

Going further, the nominations include a long list of players, making big contributions to the sport. However, what comes to notice is the selection of players. Unlike many other awards, the nominations for the Iconic Moments in Tennis History don’t just have players from a certain generation.

Instead, it caters to a mixed bag of players from the 1900s to the current lot. Having a mixed back of players and moments as nominees, voters will have a chance to compare this generation of players with the previous ones.

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Furthermore, the winners of the five categories will be recognized with a unique exhibit for visitors to experience in person at the ITHF Museum. The same will also be available on the International Tennis Hall of Fame’s website.

2022 Iconic Moments in Tennis History Categories & Nominees

Most Epic Rivalry

Jimmy Connors vs. John McEnroe vs. Bjorn Borg

Rafael Nadal vs. Roger Federer vs. Novak Djokovic

Chris Evert vs. Martina Navratilova

Steff Graf vs. Monica Seles

Pete Sampras vs. Andre Agassi

Billie Jean King vs. Margaret Court

Rod Laver vs. Ken Rosewall

Venus Williams vs. Serena Williams

Best Cinderella Story

Goran Ivanisevic, 2001 Wimbledon

Emma Raducanu, 2021 US Open

Kim Clijsters, 2009 US Open

Mats Wilander, 1982 Roland-Garros

Guga Kuerten, 1997 Roland-Garros

Pete Sampras, 1990 US Open

Serena Williams, 1999 US Open

Michael Chang, 1989 Roland-Garros

Best Comeback Within a Match

Rafael Nadal d. Daniil Medvedev, 2022 Australian Open Final

Jennifer Capriati d. Martina Hingis, 2002 Australian Open Final

Mary Joe Fernandez d. Gabriela Sabatini, 1993 Roland-Garros Quarterfinal

Manuel Orantes d. Guillermo Vilas, 1975 US Open Semifinal

Chanda Rubin d. Jana Novotna, 1995 Roland-Garros Third Round

Jimmy Connors d. Mikael Pernfors, 1987 Wimbledon Fourth Round

Pancho Gonzales d. Charlie Pasarell, 1969 Wimbledon First Round

Pete Sampras d. Jim Courier, 1995 Australian Open Quarterfinals

Most Iconic Celebration

Pat Cash’s Champion’s Climb, 1987 Wimbledon

Kim Clijsters and daughter Jada on court, 2009 US Open

Guga Kuerten drawing a heart in clay, 2001 Roland-Garros

Jimmy Connors’ fist pump vs. Aaron Krickstein, 1991 US Open

Jim Courier diving into the Yarra River, 1992 & 1993 Australian Open

Petr Korda and Korda Family’s scissor kick

Serbian Davis Cup team shaving heads following 2010 championship

Billie Jean King’s racquet toss following Battle of the Sexes

Best Moment of National Pride

Ashleigh Barty, 2022 Australian Open

Goran Ivanisevic, 2001 Wimbledon

Althea Gibson, 1957 Wimbledon

Andy Murray, 2013 Wimbledon

Virginia Wade, 1977 Wimbledon

Li Na, 2011 Roland-Garros

Maria Bueno, 1959 Wimbledon

David Hall, 2000 Sydney Paralympics

What will be your picks for each category? Let us know in the comments below!