TennisWorthy

Host Patrick McEnroe catches up with Hall of Famer Gigi Fernandez, discussing her career in the framework of tradition. Patrick and Gigi go behind the scenes at Wimbledon and the other Majors, sharing stories and memories of their favorite traditions in tennis, such as wearing white at Wimbledon, the evolution of night tennis, and the debate over best-of-five sets in men's tennis.

Patrick and Gigi open the episode with takeaways from their experience at the launch event of Serving Tennis History, a digital collaboration between the International Tennis Hall of Fame and Google Arts & Culture featuring the full run of American Lawn Tennis magazine. Gigi also shares her personal connection to tennis and her efforts to give back through her foundation, Tennis for Hope, which supports those in the tennis community affected by natural disasters.

Gigi Fernandez is a 17-time major champion in doubles and a two-time Olympic gold medalist for the United States. She was named Puerto Rico's Female Athlete of the Century in 1999 and was inducted into the Hall of Fame alongside her longtime doubles partner Natasha Zvereva in 2010.

The TennisWorthy Podcast is presented by the International Tennis Hall of Fame. For more information and full episode transcriptions, visit tennisfame.com/podcast.

In April, we explore the delicate balance between tradition and progress in the world of tennis, focusing on the four major tournaments: Australian Open, Roland Garros, Wimbledon, and US Open. Each tournament, while steeped in history, has had to adapt to the changing times.  

Chris Bowers delves into the decisions behind venue changes, like the Australian and US Opens' move to new, purpose-built facilities, and the choice of Wimbledon and Roland Garros to stay rooted in their historic locations.  

He also explores the efforts to modernize while preserving the unique identities of these events, from addressing logistical challenges at Wimbledon to Philippe Chatrier’s vision for Roland Garros.  

The TennisWorthy Podcast is presented by the International Tennis Hall of Fame. For more information and full episode transcriptions, visit tennisfame.com/podcast.

In 2021, the International Tennis Hall of Fame inducted the Original 9, pioneers who signed $1 contracts in 1970 to create the first women's tennis tour. Facing challenges, they paved the way for equity in sports.

Rosie Casals, Judy Tegart Dalton, and Ann Jones reflect on those early years with Blair Henley, discussing their risks, timing, and behind-the-scenes efforts. Later, Jones tells Chris Bowers how player camaraderie fueled progress on the Virginia Slims tour, uniting women across nationalities to make tennis a viable career.

This episode originally aired in 2024.

In celebration of Women's History Month, we dive into one of the most pivotal moments in tennis history—the story of the Original 9.

In 1970, nine courageous women, led by Billie Jean King and Gladys Heldman, signed $1 contracts and risked their careers to revolutionize women’s tennis. Facing discrimination and a male-dominated tennis establishment, their bold move laid the foundation for professional women’s tennis and equal prize money. This episode of the podcast recounts the iconic Houston tournament, and the lasting impact of these trailblazers.

Hear firsthand accounts from Hall of Famers King, Rosie Casals, Nancy Richey, and other members of the Original 9 as they reflect on the risks, rewards, and legacy of their fight for equality. This is a story of independence, resilience and a movement that transcended tennis.

The TennisWorthy Podcast is presented by the International Tennis Hall of Fame. For more information and full episode transcriptions, visit tennisfame.com/podcast.

Chris Bowers hosts special episode of the TennisWorthy Podcast as we pay tribute to Australian tennis legend Fred Stolle, who passed earlier this week at 86. In an interview recorded at Roland Garros in 2018, Fred reflects on his remarkable career—his rise from humble beginnings, Grand Slam triumphs, clashes with the legendary Harry Hopman, and his transition into coaching and broadcasting. With candid storytelling and sharp insights, this episode recognizes one of tennis’s greats.

Fred Stolle was a 19-time major champion, amateur world No. 1 and Australian Davis Cup standout. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1985.

Hall of Famer Cliff Drysdale joins the TennisWorthy Podcast ahead of Indian Wells to explore his legendary impact on the sport and talk current tennis happenings with host Patrick McEnroe.

From his early days as a top-ranked player to his role in founding the ATP, Drysdale shares behind-the-scenes stories about the fight for player rights and the evolution of professional tennis. The two also discuss Arthur Ashe’s legacy, the rise of modern greats like Federer, Nadal, and Djokovic, and the state of today’s game. With decades of experience as ESPN’s voice of tennis, Drysdale provides untold stories, inside perspectives, and a celebration of the sport’s past, present, and future—all from one of tennis’ most recognizable voices.

Cliff Drysdale is a former top-ranked South African tennis player, a pioneering advocate for professional players as a co-founder of the ATP, and a longtime ESPN commentator. He was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 2013 in the Contributor Category.

The TennisWorthy Podcast is presented by the International Tennis Hall of Fame. For more information and full episode transcriptions, visit tennisfame.com/podcast.

February's theme of boldness continues with an insightful conversation surrounding Arthur Ashe's milestone Wimbledon title in 1975, which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. Host Patrick McEnroe relives the tournament and events surrounding it with two Hall of Famers who were there, Charlie Pasarell and Richard Evans.

The discussion explores Ashe’s strategic brilliance in defeating Jimmy Connors, the challenges he faced as a Black athlete in a predominantly white sport, and his impact beyond the court—including his role in breaking racial barriers, fighting apartheid, and shaping the future of tennis. With personal anecdotes and behind-the-scenes insights, this episode is a tribute to Ashe’s enduring legacy as both a champion and a statesman.

Class of 2024 Hall of Famer Richard Evans is a renown tennis journalist and administrator, author of more than 20 books. Charlie Pasarell, inducted in 2013, captured 23 singles titles during his playing career and later served as the Tournament Director at Indian Wells for nearly 30 years. Both Richard and Charlie were close fiends and colleagues of Arthur Ashe.

The TennisWorthy Podcast is presented by the International Tennis Hall of Fame. For more information and full episode transcriptions, visit tennisfame.com/podcast.

February is Black History Month in the United States, and the TennisWorthy podcast explores the theme of boldness in tennis. Patrick McEnroe and Chris Bowers highlight the courageous journeys of three African-American tennis legends—Althea Gibson, Arthur Ashe, and their mentor Dr. Robert Johnson.

Chris narrates their struggles and triumphs, starting with Gibson, who broke racial barriers in the 1950s with the help of Alice Marble’s advocacy. Gibson’s journey from segregation-era challenges to winning major titles and transitioning to professional sports is a testament to her resilience. He also sheds light on Dr. Robert Johnson, who mentored both Gibson and Ashe, providing a foundation for Black tennis players through his strict training regimen and commitment to integrating the sport.

Ashe’s story, particularly his historic trip to apartheid South Africa in 1973, highlights his unique approach to activism—using his talent rather than vocal protest to make a statement. His presence in South Africa was seen as both inspiring and controversial, as he insisted on integrating the tournament stadium and meeting Black communities despite government restrictions. The memories of several close to him - Donald Dell, Mark Mathabane and Owen Williams - highlight Ashe’s influence extended beyond the court, with his visit leaving a lasting impact on the fight against apartheid.

The International Tennis Hall of Fame thanks the Arthur Ashe Legacy at UCLA and Oral History Project Director Yolanda Hester for contributions to this episode:

Mark Mathabane, interviewed by Yolanda Hester, Sept 4, 2020, for the Arthur Ashe Oral History Project an initiative of Arthur Ashe Legacy at UCLA. The oral history is from the Center for Oral History Research, University of California.

Donald Dell, interviewed by Yolanda Hester, Feb 10, 2020, for the Arthur Ashe Oral History Project an initiative of Arthur Ashe Legacy at UCLA. The oral history is from the Center for Oral History Research, University of California.

Owen Williams, interviewed by Yolanda Hester, March 5, 2021, for the Arthur Ashe Oral History Project an initiative of Arthur Ashe Legacy at UCLA. The oral history is from the Center for Oral History Research, University of California.

The TennisWorthy Podcast is presented by the International Tennis Hall of Fame. For more information and full episode transcriptions, visit tennisfame.com/podcast.

What makes a Hall of Famer? What is that unique something that led to their historic success? Was it innate? Or did they need to cultivate a winning mindset?

TennisWorthy, a podcast presented by the International Tennis Hall of Fame and hosted by Patrick McEnroe, seeks to answer these questions and uncover what it takes to become the greatest of champions. These wide-reaching conversations go beyond on-court results, and reveal the mindset, accomplishments and legacies of the sport's legends.

Host Patrick McEnroe caught up with newly appointed Laver Cup Team World Vice Captain and Hall of Famer Pat Rafter in Melbourne. On site at the Australian Open, the pair wasted no time delving into January's subject of tenacity, and how digging deep played a massive role in some of Rafter's biggest moments on court.

McEnroe and Rafter discuss how Rafter's serve-and-volley style of play required incredible work ethic, and how he succeeded at the US Open with back-to-back titles in 1997 and 1998. He discusses competing and reaching the finals at Wimbledon twice, and is candid on the role nerves played in his matches against fellow Hall of Famers Pete Sampras and Goran Ivanisevic. Finally, Rafter and McEnroe reflect on the evolution of the game and its physicality, Rafter's new role with Laver Cup, and the honor of being a Hall of Famer.

Pat Rafter is a three-time major champion and former ATP world No. 1. He remains the most recent man to reach the semifinals or better of ever major tournament in both singles and doubles. Rafter formally retired from professional tennis in 2003 and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2006.

The TennisWorthy Podcast is presented by the International Tennis Hall of Fame. For more information and full episode transcriptions, visit tennisfame.com/podcast.