Aptly, Andre will join wife Steffi Graf as an honoree in Newport.
The first time I saw him play live was a thriller at Indian Wells in 1988.
He was a brash punk-ass kid in demin shorts and rock star hair.
He was 17 and just making his name on the tour.
Andre found himself in tight semifinal tangle against Boris Becker.
And he took the 1st set. The stadium was rocking.
After all, Boris was the current 2-time Wimbledon champion.
And most hadn't ever seen Andre yet.
Boris took the 2nd set and then a trhiller ensued in the 3rd.
Final score that day: 46 64 75 for Becker.
Obs, I had no clue I was watching two future Hall of Famers...
Or that an 11 year rivalry was being born: H2H - 10-4/AA.
Oh, and I also remember the sunburn I absorbed that day.
***
Later that year he would advance to the Sf's at Roland Garros & US Open.
His storied career includes 8 Slams: 4 AO, 1 RG, 1 W, 2 US.
And an Olympic title won in Atlanta.
He & Pete Sampras gave tennis an historic rivalry - 20-14/PS.
But, Andre will tell you that his best work has come off of the court.
Tennis allowed him to open his prep school. That's his baby.
Andre tweeted today: Thank you everyone for all your support,
I'm truly honored to be recognized alongside the greatest players of tennis.
Well done Andre. And well deserved.
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