[Edhead01]

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:
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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.
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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.

 

[TheBoiledEgg]

totally spot on

Stefan was so good he had an award named after him even when he was still playing

no one else in the history of the game can say that

 

[Tryphon]

Stefan has always been such a nice and discreet champ that people tend to overlook him. :angel:

Do you remember the year (90??) Lendl was named World Champion by the ITF committee even though Edberg clearly had the better record? :fiery:

 

[Edhead01]

It's Tony Trabert's call!

This nomination has called into question the validity of the Tennis Hall of Fame. For an example of how sloppy the nomination is, the announcement even made a mistake about Becker's records, stating that he was number-one ranked for 109 weeks, which is wrong; Bjorn Borg holds that record. Becker occupied the number one rank for twelve weeks. (This error was pointed out by rec.sport.tennis poster Hops.)

An enquiry to the Tennis Hall of Fame did generate this response: "I understand your feelings toward the ballot announcement this year. Please be assured that the committee is very aware of both individuals' records and accomplishments. As I cannot speak for the nomination committee, I suggest you direct your inquiry to the chairman, Tony Trabert, c/o International Tennis Hall of Fame, 194 Bellevue Avenue, Newport, RI 02840. (Unfortunately, Mr. Trabert does not have an email address.)"

The fact that it is the highly regarded Tony Trabert who headed the committee makes it even more puzzling. I immediately drafted a letter to Tony Trabert. I expect to receive a response from him.

You can read the letter and more here:
http://www.geocities.com/edhead01us/snubbed.html

 

[aussiefan83]

edberg is a champion and should be recognised accordingly.