Vergeer and Draney on International Tennis Hall of Fame ballot
Wheelchair tennis legends Esther Vergeer of the Netherlands and Rick Draney of the United States join seven ATP and WTA players on the ballot for induction into the International Tennis Hall of Fame’s Class of 2023.
Nominees for the Wheelchair Tennis Category are considered for induction every four years, with the category recognising candidates with a distinguished record of competitive achievement at the highest international level.
As such, Vergeer and Draney have been nominated for the Hall of Fame’s Wheelchair Tennis Category, while in the Player Category eight-time Grand Slam doubles champion Daniel Nestor of Canada makes his ballot debut.
The six additional nominees in the Player Category, all returning to the ballot for the Class of 2023, are:
- Cara Black of Zimbabwe, former doubles world No. 1 and an 11-time Grand Slam champion in doubles and mixed doubles
- Juan Carlos Ferrero of Spain, 2003 Roland Garros champion and former world No. 1
- Ana Ivanović of Serbia, former world No. 1 and 2008 Roland Garros champion
- Carlos Moyá of Spain, winner of 1998 Roland Garros and former world No. 1
- Flavia Pennetta of Italy, former doubles world No. 1 and 2015 US Open singles champion
- Lisa Raymond of the United States, winner of 11 Grand Slam titles in doubles and mixed doubles, and a former doubles world No. 1
Induction into the International Tennis Hall of Fame represents the ultimate honour in tennis, with the achievements and impact of the inductees viewed as highly significant and among the best in the sport’s history.
The Official Voting Group – comprising tennis journalists, historians and existing Hall of Famers – will cast their ballots in the coming months.
The ITHF’s annual Fan Voting for the Player Category, meanwhile, returns later this week, giving fans around the globe the opportunity to weigh in on which player nominees are deserving of Hall of Fame induction. Between 20-30 October, tennis fans can cast their ballots at vote.tennisfame.com.
The top three candidates in the Fan Vote will receive added percentage points to their vote totals from the Official Voting Group, with first place earning three percentage points, second place two percentage points and third place one percentage point.
To be elected to the Hall of Fame, candidates must receive an affirmative vote of at least 75% or higher from the combined total of the Official Voting Group result, and any bonus percentage points earned in the Fan Vote.
“The nine nominees to the Class of 2023 ballot for induction into the International Tennis Hall of Fame represent tennis’ greatest achievements, across multiple disciplines of the sport,” said Katrina Adams, chairperson of the ITHF’s Enshrinee Nominating Committee.
“As a former player, I appreciate the hard work and professionalism each of these world-class athletes possess. Being recognised as candidates for tennis’ highest honour, induction into the Hall of Fame, is a momentous accolade.”
Results from the Fan Vote will be announced shortly after the voting period. Following the Official Voting Group ballot tabulation in the coming months, the Class of 2023 inductees will be announced early next year with the Induction Ceremony scheduled for 22 July 22 2023.
For additional information on the Class of 2023 Fan Vote and the ITHF’s induction process, visit tennisfame.com.