In 1970, nine women risked it all to create a better future for themselves and generations of female athletes to come. Without the Original 9's bravery, visionary mindset, and unwavering commitment, opportunities for women in tennis and beyond would not be what they are today.
In celebration of Women's History Month, the International Tennis Hall of Fame in Newport, R.I. is calling upon tennis fans around the world to share how they've been inspired by a legendary group of women: Americans Peaches Bartkowicz, Rosie Casals, Julie Heldman, Billie Jean King, Kristy Pigeon, Nancy Richey, Valerie Ziegenfuss, and Australians Judy Tegart Dalton and Kerry Melville Reid.
They question: What has the Original 9 and their groundbreaking actions meant for you?
By using the hashtag #O9Inspired on social media or logging on to tennisfame.com/o9inspired, fans are being encouraged to share personal stories and memories of how they've been influenced by the Original 9, and what the group's mission has meant for their own lives.
Submissions are being accepted until March 31, and will be utilized in a special tribute this summer when they are enshrined in the Hall of Fame.
Last month, the Original 9, along with Australian champion Lleyton Hewitt and legendary coach Dennis Van der Meer were announced as the Hall of Fame's Class of 2021. The Original 9 is the first group to be inducted into Newport, and will be enshrined in the Contributor category.
Sign up for our Newsletter
Sign up for our Newsletter