Goran Ivanishevich and Conchita Martinez of Montesi on Saturday held the induction ceremony at the International Tennis Hall of Fame, located in Newport (USA). The law that was supposed to take place in 2020 has been postponed to this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to a press release from the organization, Martinez, the 1994 Wimbledon champion, thanked The Original 9 for making her career accomplishments possible. She was so excited to be surrounded by family and friends, which shows that the wait was worth it.
“I see a lot of familiar faces,” Montisonense added. “This is something tennis has given me. Beautiful friendships and the chance to meet amazing people wherever I go.”
Martinez is the first Spaniard to win Wimbledon, and is currently coaching the second Spaniard to do so, 2017 Wimbledon champion Garbine Muguruza.
“I am very proud to be the first Spanish woman to win the title,” Martinez said. “The memory of playing and defeating Martina Navratilova, who was chasing her tenth tournament at Wimbledon, will be with me forever.”
Martinez reached the final of the 1998 Australian Open and 2000 Roland Garros, winning 33 titles, three Olympic doubles medals and five Fed Cup titles. He has coached the Billie Jean and Davis Cup teams.
“But let me tell you, playing for your country in the Fed Cup or the Olympics is not a walk in the park,” he said. “The responsibility is enormous because he feels he is carrying the hopes of his country on his shoulders. It was not an easy dream, as you can imagine, but I nevertheless felt privileged and proud to represent Spain.”
The National Tennis Hall of Fame and Museum was officially recognized by the International Tennis Federation in 1986.
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