Be Legendary Program Culminates at the 2025 International Tennis Hall of Fame Induction Celebration
Be Legendary is more than a tennis program—it’s a movement to inspire the next generation of players to lead with character, compassion, and confidence. Throughout the year, Be Legendary brings tennis to life through dynamic events in major cities around the world, creating opportunities for young athletes to learn, grow, and lead both on and off the court.
So far this year, the International Tennis Hall of Fame took the new global youth initiative to Melbourne, Dallas, Indian Wells, Miami, and London. At every stop, kids engaged with values-based curriculum, met Hall of Famers and experienced unique interactions with the professional game. Coaches and peers nominated participants not just for their athletic ability, but for embodying the values of tennis: grace, confidence, teamwork, respect and more.
From those nominations, 11 standout young athletes were chosen to experience an unforgettable Induction Celebration weekend at the International Tennis Hall of Fame in Newport, Rhode Island, where the spirit of the game’s past met the promise of its future.
The participants included:
- Joshua from Brisbane
- Maria from Sydney
- Whisper from Dallas
- Merilen from N. Palm Springs
- Samantha from Palm Springs
- Samuel from Miami
- Ashley from London
- Owen, Jordy, Emanuely, and Ariyah from TeamFAME Newport
Over one extraordinary weekend, these kids didn’t just witness history—they became part of it.
Tennis with Tracy Austin and the Bryan Bros at Bowen's Wharf
The celebration kicked off on Newport's iconic Bowen’s Wharf, where the kids took in the sights of Newport and played tennis on a pop-up court with former World No.1 and Hall of Famer Tracy Austin, as well as 2025 inductees Bob and Mike Bryan. Town spectators cheered as the kids rotated through fast-paced drills, asked the legends questions, and shared the court with their heroes for the afternoon.
A Night to Remember: Fit for Fame Dinner
That evening, the group attended the prestigious Fit for Fame dinner at the International Tennis Hall of Fame (ITHF), where they joined tennis legends and special guests to witness the Bryan Brothers and Maria Sharapova receive their iconic Hall of Fame Brooks Brothers Blazers, a milestone moment in the sport's tradition of honoring greatness.
Tennis Talk with Chris Evert
The next day brought one of the most inspiring moments: a conversation with 18-time Grand Slam champion and Hall of Famer Chris Evert. With warmth and candor, Evert shared stories from her remarkable career, offered advice, and encouraged each of them to pursue their passions with purpose. In a touching moment, each young athlete was presented with their own personalized brick—soon to be placed on the Legends Walk at the ITHF, a lasting tribute to their own budding legacies.
From Grassroots to Grass Courts
The celebration continued on the Hall of Fame’s iconic grass courts during the Hall of FameCelebrity Pro Classic, featuring the Bryan Brothers and a lineup of notable celebrities. The kids not only watched the action—they joined it. A few lucky kids had the opportunity to serve as ball kids for the exhibition, while others stepped onto the grass themselves—some for the very first time, playing where the champions competed.
A Journey Through Tennis History with Rosie Casals
Adding a deeper layer to the weekend, Hall of Famer Rosie Casals guided the group through the Museum, sharing her stories as a pioneer of women's tennis and member of the trailblazing Original 9. Surrounded by artifacts of tennis history, the kids experienced the game's legacy in a relatable, engaging and awe-inspiring way.
Witnessing an Historic Induction—and a Surprise Guest
The weekend culminated in the 2025 Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, where Bob and Mike Bryan and Maria Sharapova were officially inducted among the sport’s greatest champions. The kids watched with wide eyes as the legends delivered their speeches—and gasped when Serena Williams made a surprise appearance to introduce her longtime rival and fellow icon, Maria Sharapova.
For these 11 young players, the International Tennis Hall of Fame wasn’t just a place to visit—it became a place where their dreams felt within reach. With new memories, role models, and friendships to carry with them, they returned home inspired and ready to be legendary in their own right.
