History

James Van Alen established the Tennis Hall of Fame in 1953 as a private enterprise in the Newport, Rhode Island, Casino, which hosted the U. S. national championship from its inception in 1881 through 1915.

It was sanctioned as the sport's official by the U. S. Tennis Association in 1954 and it became the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 1976.

Originally housed in a single room, the hall of fame gradually expanded through the years to take over the entire building. A $6 million renovated project to upgrade the exhibits was completed in 1997.

The hall of fame, which is open year-around, includes audiovisual and interactive exhibits, one of the world's few remaining court tennis courts, a theater, and a 2,500-volume library on all racquet sports.

To qualify for induction, a player can still be active, but must be five years removed from being a "significant factor" in competitive tennis. Members are elected by representatives of the international tennis media.

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