Li Na, Pierce, Kafelnikov set for Hall of Fame

Li Na, Mary Pierce, and Yevgeny Kafelnikov, each two-time Grand Slam singles champions, have been elected to receive tennis’ ultimate honour in 2019 – induction into the International Tennis Hall of Fame.

Li Na, the former world No. 2 and China’s first global tennis star, was a champion at both Roland Garros and the Australian Open. Pierce is a former world No. 3 in singles and doubles, and four-time major champion, having won a singles title at the Australian Open, singles and doubles titles at Roland-Garros, and a mixed doubles title at Wimbledon. In addition to his two major singles titles, Kafelnikov is a former world No. 1, Olympic Gold Medalist, and the winner of four major doubles titles.

The new inductees will be celebrated on Tuesday in a special ceremony inside Rod Laver Arena at the Australian Open, joined by many other Hall of Fame tennis legends who will gather to welcome them for the first time as Hall of Fame inductees.

In becoming Hall of Famers, Na, Pierce, and Kafelnikov join an elite group of just over 250 individuals hailing from 23 nations who have received the honour, which recognises their careers as being among the most accomplished and impactful in the history of tennis. The three are being inducted in the Player Category. This is not a year of eligibility for the Hall of Fame’s other two categories – Contributor and Wheelchair.

“It’s a pleasure to congratulate Li Na, Mary Pierce, and Yevgeny Kafelnikov, and to welcome them into the International Tennis Hall of Fame,” stated Hall of Fame President Stan Smith. “They are three incredibly hard-working athletes who set and achieved goals at tennis’ highest levels. This is a well-deserved honour, and we look forward to celebrating them as Hall of Famers in Newport in July.”