Hall of Fame classes celebrate players' paths to immortality

Barring any unforeseen comebacks, the International Tennis Hall of Fame will welcome Caroline Wozniacki and Maria Sharapova to its ranks in 2025, with the outside possibility of Bob and Mike Bryan and Leander Paes joining them, should they decide to go through with their planned retirement at the end of 2020.

It would be another example of the greats gathered for induction, from players to contributors. Here’s a look at five of the standout classes that have joined the Hall, where Wimbledon champions Goran Ivanisevic and Conchita Martinez will land next year. (Photos: Getty Images)

1

2019: The Australian and French Connection

Last year’s class struck a near-perfect balance, featuring Mary Pierce, Yevgeny Kafelnikov and Na Li, all trailblazers for the nations they represented. Also, each won the Australian and French Opens for their Grand Slam singles titles.

2

2017: A Class That Had It All

While US Open champions Andy Roddick and Kim Clijsters brought some lofty on-court credentials to the proceedings in 2017, the three other inductees made a rather significant impact in their respective fields. Wheelchair tennis standout Monique Kalkman-van den Bosch, legendary coach Vic Braden and writer Steve Flink gained eternal recognition right with the former world No. 1’s.

3

2010: Doubling Up

In 2010, doubles took the spotlight, and based on the caliber of players that made it in, it was truly deserved. Master Player Owen Davidson, who won a calendar-year mixed Grand Slam in 1967, was joined by two of the greatest teams of the 1990s and 2000s. Gigi Fernandez and Natasha Zvereva won 13 Grand Slam titles together in women’s doubles, while Mark Woodforde and Todd Woodbridge, aka “The Woodies,” came out on top at the men’s majors on 11 occasions.

4

1995: A Solo Act

In 1995, the Hall of Fame had just one candidate for induction—and the decision approving Chris Evert’s admittance was unanimous. Aside from her otherworldly statistics—winning at least one major for 13 consecutive years, winning more than 150 singles titles, having a triple-digit winning streak on clay, and so much more—the American’s influence on the game has been undeniable, with millions striving to adapt her baseline game.

5

1987: Greatness, On and Off the Court

From Grand Slam champions to Davis Cup heroes to icons who made a global impact outside of the sport, the 1987 class had it all. With dozens of major titles between them, Billie Jean King, Bjorn Borg, Stan Smith, Alex Olmedo and Dennis Ralston were all celebrated that year for their on-court accomplishments, with some of their off-court achievements making a difference to this day.