'Be Legendary': New Hall of Fame initiative to inspire next generation launched
The International Tennis Hall of Fame in Newport, Rhode Island, is one of the most beautiful and inspiring locations in all of tennis. Set among gorgeous grass courts, the original clubhouse opened in 1880 and is set in the Newport Casino.
Stepping inside the museum which was created at a later time, and clubhouse is like being transported back in time.
The site has staged official tournaments for decades and every summer they hold a ceremony to welcome in the new "class" of inductees. Induction into the International Tennis Hall of Fame is regarded as the highest honour that is bestowed in the sport.
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There is such a rich history. It is legendary and now there is an opportunity to "Be Legendary" and be part of this special sanctuary.
Kim Clijsters poses with the championship trophy after defeating Caroline Wozniacki in the 2009 US Open final. Rob Tringali via Getty Images
Be Legendary is a global initiative by the International Tennis Hall of Fame designed to inspire and empower youth in the 10 to 18 age bracket at tennis programs around the world by offering them unique access to the history of the sport, its values, and legendary players.
Tennis is the sport of a lifetime, and the idea of this new program is to help teach young people life lessons that sport has to offer.
Hall of Famer and honorary ITHF President, Kim Clijsters, 2025 Hall of Fame Inductees Bob and Mike Bryan and Hall of Famer, Arantxa Sanchez Vicario, will help launch the program kicking off in Melbourne in January during the Australian Summer of Tennis.
The concept will continue on to Indian Wells and Miami, with more ambassadors and venues to be progressively announced.
"Be Legendary was created by the International Tennis Hall of Fame to educate young players globally on both the history of the sport and the lessons learned by its legends," Clijsters said.
"Our goal is to do some good in the world, helping kids find their greatness by showing them what it means to be legendary, both on and off the court."
Research has shown that by studying the careers and values of sports legends and then meeting these legends in person, students gain powerful insights into the importance of integrity, determination, and teamwork.
The key components of Be Legendary are:
1. Interactive history lesson and curriculum
2. Hall of Famer visit and in-person tennis experience
3. Field trip to a professional tennis tournament
4. Standout youth participants will earn a culminating trip to Newport, Rhode Island for the 2025 Induction Celebration.
A program and concept such as this will help open the eyes and imagination of young people towards this great sport.
Andre Agassi won the Australian Open four times James D. Morgan via Getty Images
Be Legendary was originally piloted this year and there was participation from immortals of world tennis – Kim Clijsters, Andre Agassi, Leander Paes, and Vijay Amritraj. Students in the pilot program had the opportunity to study the inspiring stories of each of these Hall of Famers and then spend time with them in person, via Q&A sessions, one-on-one conversations and tennis programming.
From next year the pro tennis tournament will be a combined ATP/WTA event and the induction ceremony is going to be reimagined and two very fortunate participants from Be Legendary will be there for the wonderful and special formalities.
