Tennis: Capriati elected to Hall of Fame

NEWPORT, Rhode Island: Former World No. 1 Jennifer Capriati, a three-time Grand Slam champion who also won Olympic gold in 1992 at Barcelona, has been elected to the International Tennis Hall of Fame.

Officials of the sports honor shrine announced on Friday that the former US teen star would be the final person to be inducted on July 14 during the ATP grasscourt event at Newport, Rhode Island.

Capriati will be joined by former World No. 1 Gustavo Kuerten of Brazil, Spanish legend Manuel Orantes, promoter Mike Davies and the late wheelchair tennis star Randy Snow.

All receieved at least 75 percent support from a selectional panel.

"I'm thrilled. This is a dream come true and an extraordinary tribute," said Capriati. "Tennis has been my passion and dedication for my entire life and to be acknowledged for this passion and dedication is truly icing on the cake.

"I truly feel humbled to be a part of history and am honored to be considered among the greatest of all time."

Capriati, 36, reached the finals in two of her first three WTA events as a rookie in 1990 and won her first tour title at Puerto Rico. Two years later she defeated Arantxa Sanchez-Vicario in the Barcelona Olympic women's final.

After a hiatus during most of the span between 1994 and 1998, Capriati staged a successful comeback starting in 1999. She helped lead the US Fed Cup team to the title in 2000 and became World No. 1 in October 2001, staying on top for 18 weeks.

Capriati won the 2001 and 2002 Australian Open titles and the 2001 French Open. In her second Australian triumph, she rallied from 6-4, 4-0 down to defeat Martina Hingis in the final, saving four match points.

Capriati retired for good in 2004 with a 430-176 record and 14 career singles crowns. (AFP)