ŠPORT.sk
today 09:25
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Former Croatian tennis player Goran Ivanišević was ceremoniously inducted into the Hall of Fame in Newport, USA on Saturday.
In addition to the former world number two, they also appreciated Conchita Martinez and the so-called The original nine – Billie Jean King, Rosie Casals, Peaches Bartkowicz, Kristy Pigeon, Kerry Melville Reid, Julie Heldman and Valerie Ziegenfuss, Judy Tegart Dalton and Nancy Richey. In memoriam, they introduced Dennis van der Meer to the Hall of Fame.
Ivaniševič did not avoid being moved at the ceremony. “We are a small country with a big heart. We never stop believing. For the first time in my life, I can say I’m proud of myself.” said the 2001 Wimbledon winner, who was watched by fans, some in Croatian football jerseys.
“It wasn’t easy to cheer for me. It was frustrating, sometimes sad, and some people probably got divorced because of me. But one thing is for sure, my fans had fun.” typed Ivanišević.
Martinez is the winner from Wimlbedon 1994, the Original Nine was awarded for her contribution to the development of women’s tennis and their fight against inequality. Thanks to them, since September 1970, women have also received prizes at tournaments. “We had a vision. We wanted every girl in the world, if she had it, to be able to compete and get noticed. Today, WTA players live our dream.” King said according to the official ATP website.
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Author:
ŠPORT.sk |Source: TASR
|Photo: SITA/AP
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