George Twins fan
Jan 29 2003, 04:48 PM
This year's inductees into the International Tennis Hall of Fame have been announced. They are Bosir Becker, Francoise Durr, Nancy Richey and Brian Tobin. I would really like to get up there sometime!
From ESPN.com:
QUOTE
Boris Becker heads the 2003 class for the International Tennis Hall of Fame.
Francoise Durr, Nancy Richey and Brian Tobin also will be inducted July 12, Hall of Fame president Tony Trabert announced Tuesday.
Becker won six Grand Slam singles titles and was ranked No. 1 for a total of 109 weeks. In 1985, he became the youngest male champion at a major by winning Wimbledon at 17 years, 7 months. He was also that tournament's first unseeded winner.
The 6-foot-3 German added Wimbledon titles in 1986 and '89, and won the U.S. Open in '89 and the Australian Open in '91 and '96
He won 49 singles titles and 15 doubles titles, and helped Germany win the 1988-89 Davis Cup championships.
\"It has always been my dream to be a part of this honorable institution, and I will treat my membership with great respect,'' Becker said.
Durr won the 1967 French Open and 11 major doubles titles. Richey captured the 1967 Australian Open, the 1968 French Open, and four Grand Slam doubles titles, and was the only player to win the U.S. Clay Court singles championship six straight times (1963-68).
Tobin, elected as a contributor to the game, was president of the International Tennis Federation from 1991-99. He was Tennis Australia's president from 1977-89 and oversaw the building of the Australian Open's retractable-roof stadium.
He was Australia's captain when it won the 1964 Davis Cup.
Tuesday's four inductees give the Hall 183 members from 18 countries.
shore
Jan 29 2003, 08:05 PM
The Hall of Fame in Newport is fantastic. I worked several summers in Newport and went to the Hall a number of times--just so interesting for a tennis nut. I am in a quandry over Becker's induction. I simply can't stand his personal life, he's so f**ked up. Yeah his tennis would put him in the hall, but his personal life is a mess--don't get me started. His ego is enormous, why else did he mount a comeback a few years ago, and dismally I might add. He's a train wreck and I think it's too early for his admittance to the hall of fame, maybe after some really good community service, like helping underage prostitutes turn their lives around with a fully paid education and living situation. Then I think maybe he should be allowed in. But, okay, you got me started, knocking up a young girl in a broom closet in a London restaurant the day you get booted out of Wimbledon is reprehensible. And what he put his wife and family through just because he can't stay out of the public's eye and keep his manhood in his pants....of, don't get me started.
LAKERSRDABOMB
Jan 29 2003, 10:22 PM
Hey SHORE RELAX! Boris did some incredable things in his career! He deserves "Hall of Fame" status! What he did off the courts shouldn't matter!
LAKERSRDABOMB
Jan 29 2003, 10:30 PM
BTW Love hearing Durr is getting inducted! She was quite different in her play! From her index finger pointed racket hold, to her making Virginia Wade relax and laugh during doubles matches! A unique player to say the least! Plus as Frances Fed-Cup coach she helped Tauziat gain enough confidence to reach Wimbeldons Final!
Munson Man
Jan 29 2003, 10:58 PM
I think the only requirement is that you have to have been retired from singles play for five years, no? Becker's tennis accomplishments easily justify his induction. His extramarital exploits and tax problems in Germany (can you say Steffi Graf?) are irrelevant in this context.
tennisbudcali
Feb 2 2003, 10:07 AM
I don't get the selecting process for the Hall of Fame Inductions.
They say you must be retired at least 5 years and, while I agree that Becker deserves it based on his accomplishments on the court,....
why the heck didn't STEFAN EDBERG get in as well? He retired in 1996, before Becker, his accomplishments were just as great, if not better, and, he always conducted himself with grace and dignity off the court!
He should definitely have gotten in before or at the same time as Becker!
shore
Feb 2 2003, 11:08 AM
Here is the criteria for induction into the Hall of Fame, read it and tell me you really think Becker belongs there:Since 1955, 179 people have been elected to the International Tennis Hall of Fame. Eligibility was extended to include candidates worldwide in 1975. Players are elected based on their records of competitive achievement, with ancillary consideration given to sportsmanship and character. Individuals are elected in one of three categories: and then they go on to give categories. Becker does not display good character. Hey and maybe Durr is to be questioned. This could be the year of Have they really?
Do you feel McEnroe, Connors, and Ilie Nastase were of exemplary character and sportsmanship? They're all in there.
Edberg should be in as well, of course. I think Jim Courier will probably make it, too.
George Twins fan
Feb 2 2003, 11:58 AM
Exactly JC. Where do you draw the line on the character issue? Becker's situation is not comparable to Pete Rose in that whatever his problems are/were, he didn't violate any of the laws of the game of tennis. It's all off court, personal stuff. If we were to ban anyone we found unsavory from these Halls of Fame, the walls would be pretty barren. Becker is undoubtedly Hall-worthy.
Becker, of course, deserves to be in there. As does Edberg. Nastase....I suppose. Yo Lakersguy -- Durr was also a troublesome player for Billie Jean. SHe used to frustrate the hell out of her! At the time, Durr was also the only player with some major cleavage.
George Twins fan
Jul 12 2003, 04:03 PM
Today was the induction ceremony.
Here's a wrapup from ESPN.com.
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