Articulate André, Indomitable Peachy Join Tennis Hall of Fame Pantheon

Whoever saw the brash young tennis kid with the mullet play decades ago would have trouble matching that person with the man who stood before us at the International Tennis Hall of Fame Induction ceremony in Newport, thoughtful, thankful, articulate, and well, yes, loving.

And he can still play a mean game of tennis, too, as he demonstrated
at an exhibition match with Todd Martin, Owen Davidson and Brad Gilbert, and the Center Court at the Tennis Hall of Fame, which was packed for the match. The career rivalry between Mr. Agassi and John McEnroe has been documented in a new film "Fire and Ice."

Peachy Kellmeyer, the very first employee of the WTA, (Women's Tennis Association), has been instrumental in the development of women's competitive tennis, its estimation, recognition, and, not least, prize money. Working steadily and tirelessy with Billie Jean King, Ms. Kellmeyer is the wizard behind the curtain, and is iconic in the annals of women's tennis.

ITHF Trustees after a meeting

Clearly a crowd favorite, Andre Agassi, who captured eight grand slam tournament titles, and an Olympic gold medal, is now married to Hall of Famer Steffi Graf, and with two young children, opened a Charter School in Las Vegas for children in at risk areas, the Andre Agassi Preparatory Academy. One of his graduating students, Simone delivered the introductory speech, citing his dedication, his inspiration, and his energy. The Andre Agassi Academy now has a 100% graduation rate, and Simone is going on to medical school.

Oh, and she forgave him the early mullet.

In his own acceptance speech, Agassi talked about how he had been encouraged by his father Mike to become a tennis star, but at 29 found it hollow. He them rediscovered, and came to love, tennis: "It's given me my life, and my wife," he said, movingly, nodding toward Ms. Graf, their children, and his parents. He recounted his journey of self-discovery and self realization.

Emblematic of the Campbell's Hall of Fame Tournament

Christopher Clouser, chairman of the International Tennis Hall of Fame & Museum, gave the presentation encomium, and the crowd clapped. Ms. Kellmeyer, modest and charming, stated how honored she was to be given tennis' highest accolade.

Bud Collins was there, too. The earlier press conference gave the media the opportunity to ask some direct questions, which included President and CEO of the WTA Stacey Allaster, who took the opportunity to practice her Induction Ceremony speech using her iPad. There was a tribute to retiring sports reporter for The Newport Daily News Rick McGowan.

At the ceremony, the crowd roared.

-- L.P.

For links to videos and photographs of the 2011 Induction ceremony, go to

www.tennisfame.com