Hewitt Tops International Tennis Hall Of Fame Class Of 2021 Fan Vote
It was announced on Wednesday in a press release that former World No. 1 Lleyton Hewitt received the most votes in the Class of 2021 International Tennis Hall of Fame Fan Vote presented by BNP Paribas. Swede Jonas Bjorkman received the third-most votes.
“Being nominated for the Hall of Fame is such a huge honour for me already, and to experience this incredible support from the fans while going through the Hall of Fame process just makes it even more special,” Hewitt said according to the release. “There are four additional great candidates with me on the ballot for the Hall of Fame, and I’m really honoured and appreciative of all the support I’ve received from tennis fans in Australia and around the world.”
To be elected into the Hall of Fame, a candidate must receive an affirmative vote in 75 per cent or more of ballots submitted from the Official Voting Group, which is comprised of tennis media and experts, or a combined total of 75 per cent or higher from their Voting Group result and any bonus percentage points earned in the Fan Vote.
As the first-place finisher in the International Tennis Hall of Fame Fan Vote presented by BNP Paribas, Hewitt will receive three bonus percentage points on his results from the Official Voting Group, while Bjorkman will receive one bonus percentage point. In addition to Hewitt and Björkman, Spaniards Juan Carlos Ferrero and Sergi Bruguera as well as American Lisa Raymond are on the ballot in the Player Category for Class of 2021 induction.
“In today’s digital world, sports fans are more knowledgeable and connected to athletes than ever before. We are pleased to give them the opportunity to express their opinions in determining who will be the recipients of tennis’ ultimate honour,” said International Tennis Hall of Fame CEO Todd Martin. “It’s been great to see fans embrace this opportunity with a strong voter turnout from all over the world. In such an unusual year for tennis, we are glad to offer this unique and important way for fans to engage with the sport, and we are grateful for our longstanding partner BNP Paribas for their support of the 2021 Fan Vote.”