Testing Traditions and Tennis' Ever-Changing Landscape with Gigi Fernandez
Host Patrick McEnroe catches up with Hall of Famer Gigi Fernandez, discussing her career in the framework of tradition. Patrick and Gigi go behind the scenes at Wimbledon and the other Majors, sharing stories and memories of their favorite traditions in tennis, such as wearing white at Wimbledon, the evolution of night tennis, and the debate over best-of-five sets in men's tennis.Patrick and Gigi open the episode with takeaways from their experience at the launch event of Serving Tennis History, a digital collaboration between the International Tennis Hall of Fame and Google Arts & Culture featuring the full run of American Lawn Tennis magazine. Gigi also shares her personal connection to tennis and her efforts to give back through her foundation, Tennis for Hope, which supports those in the tennis community affected by natural disasters.Gigi Fernandez is a 17-time major champion in doubles and a two-time Olympic gold medalist for the United States. She was named Puerto Rico's Female Athlete of the Century in 1999 and was inducted into the Hall of Fame alongside her longtime doubles partner Natasha Zvereva in 2010.
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Balancing Tradition and Progress: The Evolution of the Majors
In April, we explore the delicate balance between tradition and progress in the world of tennis, focusing on the four major tournaments: Australian Open, Roland Garros, Wimbledon, and US Open. Each tournament, while steeped in history, has had to adapt to the changing times. Chris Bowers delves into the decisions behind venue changes, like the Australian and US Opens' move to new, purpose-built facilities, and the choice of Wimbledon and Roland Garros to stay rooted in their historic locations. He also explores the efforts to modernize while preserving the unique identities of these events, from addressing logistical challenges at Wimbledon to Philippe Chatrier’s vision for Roland Garros. The TennisWorthy Podcast is presented by the International Tennis Hall of Fame. For more information and full episode transcriptions, visit tennisfame.com/podcast.
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Pioneering Women's Professional Tennis with Rosie Casals, Judy Tegart Dalton and Ann Jones
In 2021, the International Tennis Hall of Fame inducted the Original 9, pioneers who signed $1 contracts in 1970 to create the first women's tennis tour. Facing challenges, they paved the way for equity in sports.Rosie Casals, Judy Tegart Dalton, and Ann Jones reflect on those early years with Blair Henley, discussing their risks, timing, and behind-the-scenes efforts. Later, Jones tells Chris Bowers how player camaraderie fueled progress on the Virginia Slims tour, uniting women across nationalities to make tennis a viable career.This episode originally aired in 2024.
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How the Original 9's Independence Revolutionized Women's Tennis
In celebration of Women's History Month, we dive into one of the most pivotal moments in tennis history—the story of the Original 9. In 1970, nine courageous women, led by Billie Jean King and Gladys Heldman, signed $1 contracts and risked their careers to revolutionize women’s tennis. Facing discrimination and a male-dominated tennis establishment, their bold move laid the foundation for professional women’s tennis and equal prize money. This episode of the podcast recounts the iconic Houston tournament, and the lasting impact of these trailblazers. Hear firsthand accounts from Hall of Famers King, Rosie Casals, Nancy Richey, and other members of the Original 9 as they reflect on the risks, rewards, and legacy of their fight for equality. This is a story of independence, resilience and a movement that transcended tennis.The TennisWorthy Podcast is presented by the International Tennis Hall of Fame. For more information and full episode transcriptions, visit tennisfame.com/podcast.
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Remembering Hall of Famer Fred Stolle
Chris Bowers hosts special episode of the TennisWorthy Podcast as we pay tribute to Australian tennis legend Fred Stolle, who passed earlier this week at 86. In an interview recorded at Roland Garros in 2018, Fred reflects on his remarkable career—his rise from humble beginnings, Grand Slam triumphs, clashes with the legendary Harry Hopman, and his transition into coaching and broadcasting. With candid storytelling and sharp insights, this episode recognizes one of tennis’s greats. Fred Stolle was a 19-time major champion, amateur world No. 1 and Australian Davis Cup standout. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1985.
What makes a Hall of Famer? What is that unique something that led to their historic success? Was it innate? Or did they need to cultivate a winning mindset?TennisWorthy, a podcast presented by the International Tennis Hall of Fame and hosted by Patrick McEnroe, seeks to answer these questions and uncover what it takes to become the greatest of champions. These wide-reaching conversations go beyond on-court results, and reveal the mindset of the sport’s legends. Hear from Hall of Famers and legends of the sport on what it takes to set yourself apart.
Österreich