Justine Henin And Marat Safin To Be Inducted Into Tennis Hall Of Fame
The International Tennis Hall of Fame is to recognise the stellar careers of Justine Henin and Marat Safin.
Former world number ones Justine Henin and Marat Safin are to be inducted into the 2016 International Tennis Hall of Fame.
Henin was at the summit of the WTA's rankings for a total of 117 weeks and was the year-end number one in 2003, 2006 and 2007.
The Belgian won seven major titles with the Wimbledon trophy the only one to prevent her completing a career Grand Slam.
"It's a big honour. I was five years old when I started playing tennis and my dream was to become a champion," she told the International Tennis Hall of Fame's official website.
"All of the things that then happened, all the dreams that came true, all the victories and Grand Slams, and every emotion that I lived in my tennis career remains something very important in my life today.
"Being part of the Hall of Fame says that it will remain something forever, and that is very special. I am really honoured."
Safin is a two-time grand slam winner. The Russian was a victor at the US Open in 2000 and the Australian Open five years later.
He was world number one in the men's rankings for nine weeks and spent a total of 119 in the world's top five.
"I'm very happy to be inducted to the Hall of Fame. I want to say thank you to everyone who helped me and supported me throughout my tennis career," he added.
"To be part of a Hall of Fame is every athlete's dream. I am really honoured to be inducted and proud to represent Russian tennis alongside the greatest champions of tennis history."