International Tennis Hall of Fame launches “Be Legendary” youth program in Melbourne, Indian Wells and Miami

The International Tennis Hall of Fame is taking its rich history and using it to propel the next generation of the sport.

For players ages 10-18, the ITHOF's “Be Legendary” youth program offers an opportunity to develop one's tennis beyond traditional coaching, by introducing connections into the sport’s rich history, greatness and values that transcend the dimensions of the court.

“The Hall of Fame exists on a belief that the past must be respected, celebrated, and cherished, because that is where greatness is found,” says ITHOF honorary president and Hall of Famer Kim Clijsters.

A belief we can use the past, the legends of the game, and the values that the sport instills in us to not only impact lives, but to inspire greatness in the next generation.

Focusing on interactive history curriculum, each stop on the Be Legendary tour will include Hall of Famer visits and in-person experiences, and field trips to professional tournaments. The campaign is structured to leave a lasting impression of tennis and beyond on the participants, especially for standout players who will earn a trip to Newport, R.I., for the 2025 induction ceremony.

This year's ceremony, which will see the enshrinements of Bob Bryan, Mike Bryan and Maria Sharapova, will be held from August 21-23.

Set to launch in Melbourne, Indian Wells and Miami, the ITHOF promises more locations to be announced as the program gets underway. The same goes for ambassadors, who will join Clijsters, the Bryans and Arantxa Sánchez-Vicario.

“In recognizing the past, we lay the foundation for the future to infuse a deeper love of the game in everything we do,” says Clijsters, “and to propel the next generation to believe that this sport can teach them to lead both on the court and off.”

The Big Four

The Be Legendary program is built upon four pillars that each venue—Melbourne, Indian Wells and Miami, with more to come—can uniquely offer:

• INTERACTIVE HISTORY LESSON AND CURRICULUM: Through a professionally developed curriculum, youth participants will delve into the history of tennis and the careers and personal attributes of Tennis Hall of Fame Inductees. They will explore what makes these athletes legendary, gaining insights into the perseverance, discipline, and character that define their success.
• HALL OF FAMER VISIT AND IN-PERSON TENNIS EXPERIENCE: Each program culminates in a two-day immersive experience where student-athletes engage with historical tennis artifacts and meet and interact with a Hall of Famer. This curated experience includes on- and off-court activities, providing a unique opportunity for youth to learn directly from the Legend. These activities are designed to reinforce the core values of tennis, allowing students to witness these traits in action and consider how they are reflected in their own lives.
• FIELD TRIP TO PROFESSIONAL TENNIS TOURNAMENT: After interacting with the Hall of Famer, participants will attend a local professional tournament. This experience exposes them to high-level competition and allows them to see the skills and values discussed in action on the world stage.
• CULMINATING WEEKEND AT THE INTERNATIONAL TENNIS HALL OF FAME: After the program, two exceptional students and a chaperone will be selected to visit the International Tennis Hall of Fame. This visit will be a capstone experience, providing an in-depth exploration of the sport’s history and the legacy of its greatest players.