As the class of 2018 International Tennis Hall of Fame (ITHF) induction ceremony rapidly approaches, Tennis Channel's Stories of the Open Era looks back at the non-profit organization that is steeped in tennis tradition.

Located in Newport, Rhode Island, the ITHF is also home of the tennis museum and Dell Technologies Hall of Fame Open—an ATP 250 event, which takes place the same week as the induction ceremony.

Advertising

Every July, the ITHF honors a class of tennis greats by inducting them into the Hall of Fame. Past inductees include Arthur Ashe, Rod Laver, Billie Jean King, Margaret Court, John McEnroe, Pete Sampras, husband and wife Andre Agassi and Steffi Graf, Chris Evert, Andy Roddick, Kim Clijsters, Martina Hingis, Lindsay Davenport, Justin Henin, tennis historian Steve Flink and coach Nick Bollettieri.

On Saturday, Grand Slam champions Michael Stich of Germany and Helena Sukova will be officially initiated into the prestigious club.

Advertising

Stories of the Open Era: International Tennis Hall of Fame

Stories of the Open Era: International Tennis Hall of Fame

Strokes of Genius is a world-class documentary capturing the historic 13-year rivalry between tennis icons Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal. It is timed for release as the anticipation crests with Roger as returning champion, 10 years after their famed 2008 Wimbledon championship – an epic match so close and so reflective of their competitive balance that, in the end, the true winner was the sport itself.

WATCH: NOW AVAILABLE AT THE ITUNES STORE