Word came that "(Boris) Becker is the lone nominee in the Recent
Player Category" on the 2003 Tennis Hall of Fame ballot.(See
http://www.sportsmediainc.net/tennisweek/).
Excuse me? What about Stefan Edberg, who retired several years before
Becker and is considered by many as at least as great of a tennis
player as Becker? Assuming that Richard Pagliaro's report is not
mistaken, the nomination of Becker (to whom I have great respect) is a
major diss on Stefan Edberg.
Ironically, not so long ago the following appeared in Jon Wertheim's
mailbag:
----------------------------------------------------------------
Q: Since potential Hall of Fame inductees have to wait a minimum of
five years before being considered, the incomparable Stefan Edberg
will be eligible for enshrinement in 2003. What do you think of his
chances of getting in on the first try? It seems to me that he has a
solid case. He was No. 1 in the world in both singles and doubles, he
won 41 singles titles, six Grand Slams, a couple of Davis Cups and an
Olympic gold. Plus, he won the junior Grand Slam and was widely
regarded as one of the classiest and most well-liked people in tennis.
This one's a no-brainer, right? I mean, if Pam Shriver gets in, Edberg
gets in, right? Or am I missing something?
A: Edberg is a mortal lock for the reasons you articulate nicely.
----------------------------------------------------------------
What gives? How can Becker be eligible so soon? And how can they
overlook Stefan? Just because the man (Edberg) is of the quiet sort
doesn't mean he doesn't have fans. As far as I am concerned, this is
an unforgivable slight on a great player who does not deserve a slap
on the face such as that.
If you are as disturbed about this news as I and many Edberg fans,
please send your protest to the Tennis Hall of Fame:
http://www.tennisfame.org/contact.html
An injustice like this should not go unnoticed.
Player Category" on the 2003 Tennis Hall of Fame ballot.(See
http://www.sportsmediainc.net/tennisweek/).
Excuse me? What about Stefan Edberg, who retired several years before
Becker and is considered by many as at least as great of a tennis
player as Becker? Assuming that Richard Pagliaro's report is not
mistaken, the nomination of Becker (to whom I have great respect) is a
major diss on Stefan Edberg.
Ironically, not so long ago the following appeared in Jon Wertheim's
mailbag:
----------------------------------------------------------------
Q: Since potential Hall of Fame inductees have to wait a minimum of
five years before being considered, the incomparable Stefan Edberg
will be eligible for enshrinement in 2003. What do you think of his
chances of getting in on the first try? It seems to me that he has a
solid case. He was No. 1 in the world in both singles and doubles, he
won 41 singles titles, six Grand Slams, a couple of Davis Cups and an
Olympic gold. Plus, he won the junior Grand Slam and was widely
regarded as one of the classiest and most well-liked people in tennis.
This one's a no-brainer, right? I mean, if Pam Shriver gets in, Edberg
gets in, right? Or am I missing something?
A: Edberg is a mortal lock for the reasons you articulate nicely.
----------------------------------------------------------------
What gives? How can Becker be eligible so soon? And how can they
overlook Stefan? Just because the man (Edberg) is of the quiet sort
doesn't mean he doesn't have fans. As far as I am concerned, this is
an unforgivable slight on a great player who does not deserve a slap
on the face such as that.
If you are as disturbed about this news as I and many Edberg fans,
please send your protest to the Tennis Hall of Fame:
http://www.tennisfame.org/contact.html
An injustice like this should not go unnoticed.