Home » TIMag.com news » Awards » Bollettieri to be inducted Into Hall of Fame

Bollettieri to be inducted Into Hall of Fame

HILTON HEAD ISLAND, SC — Tennis coaching legend Nick Bollettieri will be inducted into the Tennis Industry Hall of Fame on Aug. 27 at the Grand Hyatt New York. Bollettieri, one of the world’s most famous coaches, will be honored for his significant impact on tennis.

A coach, businessman, motivator and educator, Bollettieri has worked with players of all age ranges and skill levels, coaching 10 world No. 1 players—Andre Agassi, Boris Becker, Jim Courier, Martina Hingis, Jelena Jankovic, Marcelo Rios, Monica Seles, Maria Sharapova, Serena Williams and Venus Williams.

Bollettieri started the Nick Bollettieri Tennis Academy in 1978, and in the process, he developed a style and method of coaching and training that has revolutionized tennis instruction. His Bradenton, Fla., academy was the first major tennis boarding school, and it changed the way tennis was taught at the elite junior level.

“I am thrilled to be honored by the tennis industry,” Bollettieri said. “I’ve dedicated my life to helping players of all ages and abilities enjoy the sport of tennis. It’s quite an honor to be recognized by the tennis industry in this way.”

The 4th Annual Tennis Industry Hall of Fame induction ceremony will take place at the Tennis Industry Association (TIA) Forum, which is part of The Tennis Show at the Grand Hyatt New York on the Saturday before the US Open begins. Hundreds of tennis industry leaders, teaching pros, manufacturers, and retailers are expected to attend the TIA Forum.

“We’re excited Nick will join our industry’s Hall of Fame,” said TIA President Jon Muir. “He’s very deserving of this honor and of the specific recognition toward helping to pioneer the academy business, which has not just impacted tennis in our country but driven a business segment of our industry. His years of success in teaching tennis and the related business expansion, combined with his great support of the key 10 and Under Tennis initiative, demonstrates his ongoing commitment to driving long-term frequent player development for our sport and industry.”

Bollettieri joins previous Tennis Industry Hall of Fame inductees Howard Head (2008), Dennis Van der Meer (2008), Alan Schwartz (2009), and Billie Jean King (2010). Plaques of Tennis Industry Hall of Fame inductees are on permanent display at the International Tennis Hall of Fame in Newport, R.I.

Posted on August 17, 2011
Permalink