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International Tennis Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony Now Available Online, On Demand

NEWPORT, RI — The International Tennis Hall of Fame today announced that tennis fans around the world can now view this past Saturday’s Class of 2007 Induction Ceremony, honoring 14-time Grand Slam Singles Champion Pete Sampras and Spanish star Arantxa Sanchez-Vicario, online and on demand at tennisfame.com, the official website of the International Tennis Hall of Fame and on the World Championship Sports Network at WCSN.com.

The Induction Ceremony took place on Saturday, July 14 in front of a capacity crowd at Bill Talbert Center Court on the grounds of the International Tennis Hall of Fame. Along with Sampras and Sanchez-Vicario, Swedish tennis standout Sven Davidson was inducted as a Master Player and Russ Adams, the “Dean” of tennis photography, entered as a contributor to the sport.

This marks the first time the Induction Ceremony will be made available online.

“WCSN.com is delighted to provide tennis fans around the world the opportunity to watch this event,” said WCSN President and COO Carlos Silva. “We’re excited to partner with the International Tennis Hall of Fame to raise further awareness about the 2007 Induction Ceremony and hope fans tune in to watch Pete Sampras and Arantxa Sanchez-Vicario be honored.”

Sampras was presented for induction by his longtime friend and former coach, Paul Annacone. “Pete, you’re a rare athlete with the optimum gifts of head, heart and talent. We’re all here to congratulate you, but most of all we want to thank you for letting your dreams become the great theater of our reality.”

Sampras’ induction speech was filled with emotion as he recalled key moments in his career, the memories of working with Tim Gullikson who died of cancer, and stressing the support of his parents, siblings, his wife and sons.

In conclusion he stated, “Above all, I wanted to represent myself and my family and the game in a way which we could all be proud of. So as I take my place among the greatest players of all time here in the Hall of Fame, I stand before you both humble and grateful. I’m a tennis player, nothing more and nothing less. That’s more than enough for me. It always has been. I thank you.”

The International Tennis Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony is an annual event, and honors the greatest players in the history of the sport. The International Tennis Hall of Fame & Museum is a non-profit institution dedicated to preserving the history of tennis, inspiring and encouraging junior tennis development, enshrining tennis heroes and heroines, and providing a landmark for tennis enthusiasts worldwide. For more information regarding the International Tennis Hall of Fame, call 401-849-3990 or visit the website, tennisfame.com.

Hall of Fame Class of 2007: Pete Sampras, Arantxa Sanchez-Vicario, Sven Davidson, Russ Adams

Posted on July 16, 2007
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