Noah presented Hall of Fame ring at Roland Garros
June 4, 2013
NEWPORT, R.I. — Thirty years after his incredible run to capture the Roland Garros title, France’s adored Yannick Noah was celebrated once again, when he received his official Hall of Fame ring in a private presentation earlier this week. One of France’s most revered public figures and successful tennis players, Noah won the Roland Garros title in 1983. He achieved a ranking of world No. 3, and in recognition of his tremendous success, Noah was honored with enshrinement in the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 2005. The one-of-a-kind Hall of Fame ring was presented to Noah as a unique symbol of his place among the great legends of the sport.
“Yannick Noah is an integral part of France’s rich tennis history, and it was very fitting to present his Hall of Fame ring here at Roland Garros where he had such a tremendous and iconic victory 30 years ago,” said Christopher E. Clouser, chairman of the International Tennis Hall of Fame, who presented the ring. “As a Hall of Famer, Yannick is among the greatest champions and legends of tennis. We are so pleased to recognize his achievements with this special ring, which only the greatest legends of tennis have the honor of wearing.”
In 1983, Noah thrilled his hometown fans, and those around the world, when he upset Ivan Lendl and defeated defending champion Mats Wilander in the final to become the first French man in 37 years to win the coveted title. He dropped just one set over the course of the two-week tournament. To this day, he is the last French man to win the title.
The following year, Noah partnered with compatriot Henri Leconte to win the French Open doubles title. He was also a finalist in doubles at the 1985 US Open (with Leconte) and at the 1987 French Open (with Guy Forget). During his career Noah captured a total of 23 singles titles and 16 doubles titles.
Noah was a dedicated member of the French Davis Cup team for 11 years, with an overall win-loss record of 39-22. In 1982, he was part of the French team that reached the Davis Cup final, where they were defeated 4-1 by the United States. In 1991, he once again rose to national adoration when he captained the French Davis Cup team to victory for the first time in 59 years, defeating a heavily favored US team 3-1 in the final.
The personalized Hall of Fame rings were introduced in 2011 and are being presented to the great legends of tennis at events around the world over the next few years as a special symbol of their Hall of Fame enshrinement. The rings bear a green stone set in gold, to complement the International Tennis Hall of Fame’s brand colors. In addition, the rings are etched with each honoree’s name and the Hall of Fame logo crest. The rings have been generously underwritten by The Bruce T. Halle Family of Scottsdale, Arizona.
Since 1955, 224 of the greatest champions and contributors to the sport have been inducted to the International Tennis Hall of Fame. Located in Newport, Rhode Island, the International Tennis Hall of Fame & Museum is a non-profit institution dedicated to preserving the history of tennis and honoring the game’s greatest heroes. In addition, the Hall of Fame provides a landmark for tennis enthusiasts, offering an extensive museum that chronicles the history of the sport and its stars, historic grass tennis courts that date back to 1880 and are open to the public, an ATP World Tour tournament and the annual Hall of Fame Enshrinement Ceremony in July, and numerous public events year-round. To learn more, visit tennisfame.com.