Arantxa Sanchez-Vicario - 2007 International Tennis Hall of Fame Inductee
Spain is known these days for all of the talented men on the pro tennis tour, but Arantxa Sanchez-Vicario placed Spanish women on the tennis map. Although Sanchez Vicario may be remembered most for her clay-court prowess and 3 titles at the French Open, she also became the first Spanish woman to win the U.S. Open title when she captured the singles crown in 1994. During her 18-year career, Sanchez Vicario won
29 singles titles and 67 doubles titles. Sanchez Vicario’s 14 Grand Slam titles included four singles, six doubles and four mixed doubles crowns. Although Sanchez-Vicario only held the Number One ranking for twelve weeks, she was ranked in the top 10 for eleven straight years. She was also the first Spanish player to hold the Number One ranking and she held the top spot in both singles and doubles in February, 2003, one of only four women to accomplish that that milestone. Sanchez-Vicario was a stalwart on the Spanish Federation Cup team and a leading member of 5 Championship teams. She is the most decorated Spanish Olympian having won a silver and bronze in both singles and doubles. Sanchez-Vicario is legendary for her speed around the court and consistent baseline game. However, what’s most impressive about her achievements is her U.S. Open singles title on the hard courts at Flushing Meadows, as well as her 67 doubles titles. Family was always a big part of Sanchez-Vicario’s tennis career, and her brothers, Emilio and Javier, were also very successful players on the pro tennis tour.
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