For the second year in a row, tennis fans are invited to vote for the nominees that they believe deserve induction into this year’s International Tennis Hall of Fame class. But given the six names on this year’s ballot, it won’t be an easy decision to make.
This year’s ballot includes Carlos Moya, Ana Ivanovic, Flavia Pennetta, Leander Paes, Daniel Nestor and Cara Black, with fans invited to vote on as many representatives from that group as they’d like. While absent of the type of star power to come down the line when Roger Federer and Serena Williams become eligible, the sextet represents some of the best singles and doubles talents of their generation.
So, who should get the nod? Let’s break down each candidate’s case for induction into the Hall of Fame:
Carlos Moya
Given the recent standard of induction set in the men’s game, Moya should find a way in. Boasting a French Open title and a former world No. 1 ranking (at a time when No. 1 was being passed around like a hot potato, but still), the Spaniard compares favorably to, say, 2018 inductee Michael Stich, who also won one Slam but only ascended as far as No. 2 in the world. Moya is well-positioned to join contemporaries like Gustavo Kuerten, Lleyton Hewitt and Marat Safin, who have already achieved enshrinement. At the very least, he’ll have the support of Rafael Nadal.
Ana Ivanovic
Now going by Ana Schweinsteiger, the former Ivanovic was a force of nature in the women’s game around 2007 and 2008, earning a French Open triumph, two finals appearances and a semifinal showing in the span of five majors. Unfortunately, injuries and inconsistency slowed the Serbian’s promising career. That being said, her resume still compares favorably to the likes of Conchita Martinez and Jana Novotna. She will likely get in, but it can’t be considered a slam dunk.
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Flavia Pennetta
The case for Pennetta is a fascinating one. The Italian had a very good singles career with one surprise Grand Slam win (the 2015 US Open) and a career-high No. 6 ranking. She also enjoyed a standout career in doubles, winning the 2011 Australian Open alongside Gisela Dulko and reaching two other finals while collecting the world No. 1 doubles ranking. While its unclear whether either achievement would be sufficient on their own to merit induction, a celebrated record as a dual threat should do the trick.
Leander Paes
By simply being nominated, Paes made history as the first Asian man to be up for induction in the player category. Given his legendary doubles career, the accolades will probably continue all the way to enshrinement. Beyond a career Grand Slam in both men’s and mixed doubles (he won a total of 18 doubles majors), Paes also holds the record for doubles wins at the Davis Cup.
