USTA NEW ENGLAND ANNOUNCES HALL OF FAME CLASS OF 2026

June Ferestien

A standout competitor with deep New England roots, June Ferestien has long been recognized for her dedication to excellence on the court and the lasting influence tennis has had on her life and career.

Ferestien began playing tennis at age 10 and quickly established herself as one of the top junior players in New England. She was ranked No. 1 in New England in multiple age divisions and achieved a national ranking of No. 10 in Girls’ 18s singles in 1979. She also reached the semifinals of the US Open Junior Championships in 1980 and achieved an ITF junior world ranking as high as No. 10.

As a standout player at Newton North High School, Ferestien led the girls’ tennis team to back-to-back state championships in 1980 and 1981 while playing undefeated at No. 1 singles. Her success earned her a full athletic scholarship to the University of Florida, where she competed for one of the nation’s top collegiate programs.

Ferestien went on to compete professionally on the WTA Tour, reaching a career-high ranking of No. 81 in the world. Along the way, she recorded wins over several top-ranked players, including Diane Fromholtz, Zina Garrison, Andrea Leand and Lisa Bonder.

“Tennis shaped every bit of me,” Ferestien said. “It taught me patience, discipline, focus and that there are no shortcuts to achieving excellence. New England tennis has been a wonderful connector in my life, and many of the friendships I formed as a junior player have lasted for nearly five decades.”

Following her competitive career, Ferestien has continued to give back through initiatives focused on health, wellness and education. She has created health literacy programs, volunteered with nonprofit organizations and established a yoga curriculum in public schools.

“I have always been especially proud of my New England tennis roots and to have represented New England on a world stage,” Ferestien said. “To join this Hall of Fame alongside so many accomplished players, coaches and tennis leaders is special.”

In recognition of her commitment to expanding opportunities for women and girls in tennis, her hometown Garden City Women's Doubles Open prize-money event now bears her name — the June Ferestien Cup.

Peter Francesconi

Peter Francesconi has dedicated his career and personal life to advancing tennis, making a profound and lasting impact at every level, from local courts to national initiatives.

As the respected editor of Racquet Sports Industry Magazine, Francesconi has been a powerful and consistent voice for the sport, tirelessly advocating for its growth and keeping tennis at the forefront of the racquet sports world. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he helped create the Tennis Industry United newsletter, which continues to unite voices across the global tennis community and reaches approximately 100,000 readers.

Beyond his professional work, Francesconi’s volunteer service has played an important role in shaping the sport across New England and nationally. He served as President of USTA Connecticut and as a member of the USTA New England Board of Directors, helping guide the strategic vision for tennis across the region.

“It’s always nice to see contributors receiving recognition for our efforts to help grow this sport,” Francesconi said. “USTA New England has always paid special attention to the many people who help make tennis what it is, and I’m excited for this unexpected honor.”

He continues to contribute to the sport today as Chair of the USTA National Advocacy Committee and as a key member of the USTA New England Advocacy Task Force. His leadership and advocacy were instrumental in the revival of National Tennis Month in May, creating a nationwide opportunity for the industry and tennis communities to celebrate the sport.

Francesconi has also dedicated more than two decades to supporting the American Sports Builders Association, where he has been a strong advocate for tennis court builders and contractors. Through this work, he helped develop important industry publications, including ‘Tennis Courts: Construction & Maintenance Manual.’

One initiative he is particularly proud of is the creation of the ‘Champions of Tennis’ awards through Racquet Sports Industry, which have honored individuals and organizations making a difference at the grassroots level for 25 years.

“It’s incredible when we hear that one of our award winners was able to secure funding or keep their programs running because we helped bring their work to light,” Francesconi said.

Jeff Landau

Jeff Landau is a highly accomplished tennis player whose career is marked by determination, sportsmanship and a lifelong commitment to growing the game.

As a junior player, Landau consistently ranked among the top competitors in the section and nationally. From 1986 to 1992, he was ranked in the top 100 nationally and top five in New England across multiple age divisions. He was named a 1992 High School All-American and later captured two Connecticut State High School Class L Singles Championships.

Landau continued his success at Wake Forest University, where he was a scholarship athlete and four-year starter. During his collegiate career, he earned MVP honors and captured the 1994 United States National Amateur Singles Championship, earning a coveted USTA Gold Ball.

After college, Landau competed professionally, achieving an ATP ranking of No. 1,325 in 1998. Known for his relentless “grinder” style of play, he also found success on the USTA tournament circuit, finishing No. 1 in New England in Men’s Open Doubles in 1997 and No. 1 in Men’s Open Singles in 1998.

“Being selected into the New England Tennis Hall of Fame is something I never could have imagined when I was a junior or college player,” Landau said. “To be recognized alongside the best of New England tennis is an amazing honor and truly one of the highlights of my life.”

Landau was also a fixture in team competition, captaining three Church Cup championship teams and competing on 10 Church Cup squads overall.

Beyond his playing accomplishments, Landau has remained deeply involved in growing the sport. Early in his career, he worked for USTA New England and the Pilot Pen Tennis Tournament, where he directed the World’s Largest Free Tennis Lesson for 520 inner-city youth and helped create the Pilot Pen Tennis Family Classic.

“Tennis has given me everything and has really been my life,” Landau said. “Most of my closest friendships came from the game, and the experiences it has given me around the world are something I will always be grateful for.”

He later served as Director of Tennis at the British School Jakarta from 2009 to 2021 and continues to teach and promote tennis in Ponte Vedra Beach, FL.

The USTA New England Hall of Fame exists to recognize and honor New England tennis players and non-players whose achievements or volunteer contributions in tennis-related activities have been outstanding over a significant period of time.

Nominations are open for the Hall of Fame Class of 2027. To learn more about the Hall of Fame and to nominate, click here.

About USTA New England

USTA New England, one of 17 regional sections across the country that comprise the United States Tennis Association (USTA), is a not-for-profit organization committed to promoting and developing the growth of tennis and increasing participation in the sport in New England by offering quality recreational and competitive programs for people of all ages and abilities. For more information, visit usta.com/newengland.