Mary Carillo’s place in tennis history was marked again in New York on Saturday night, when the acclaimed broadcaster and journalist accepted her International Tennis Hall of Fame ring at the 2026 Legends Ball.
Mary Carillo receives Hall of Fame ring in New York
The presentation took place at the Ziegfeld Ballroom on September 12, two weeks after Carillo joined the International Tennis Hall of Fame’s Class of 2026. She was formally inducted on August 29 in the Contributor Category, recognition for her enduring work in tennis broadcasting and journalism.
Hall of Fame President Kim Clijsters and fellow inductee Martina Navratilova handed Carillo the ring on stage following tribute videos tracing her playing connection to the sport and her lengthy career behind the microphone.
Quick facts
- Event: International Tennis Hall of Fame Legends Ball
- Date and venue: September 12, 2026, Ziegfeld Ballroom, New York
- Honoree: Mary Carillo, Class of 2026 Contributor Category
- Ring presenters: Kim Clijsters and Martina Navratilova
- Closing musical guest: nine-time Grammy winner Sheryl Crow
“Anyone who has heard me knows how much I love tennis,” Carillo said. “I love the players, and I love that I now get to work with so many of them. I’m deeply honored and humbled to be here, and I thank everyone.”
Carillo celebrated alongside an extensive group of Hall of Famers, including Vijay Amritraj, Tracy Austin, Jennifer Capriati, Rosie Casals, Michael Chang, Lindsay Davenport, Rick Draney, Gigi Fernandez, Steve Flink, David Hall, Monique Kalkman, Leander Paes, Brad Parks, Arantxa Sánchez-Vicario, Stan Smith and Chantal Vandierendonck.
The custom ring was produced by Baron, the Hall of Fame’s official ring provider. Hall of Famers receive the rings apart from the induction ceremony, with each presentation staged at a site meaningful to the recipient. The piece is intended as a lasting marker of an inductee’s standing in the game.
Legends Ball is the Hall of Fame’s annual fundraising gala, bringing together the sport’s past and present while backing its nonprofit work. Money raised supports programs preserving the game’s heritage and celebrating champions to help inspire younger generations.
Students from TeamFAME and New York Junior Tennis & Learning also appeared during the evening, describing the impact of the Hall of Fame’s youth initiatives. Musical performances ran through the program before Sheryl Crow closed the night.
SEO Title: Mary Carillo Presented International Tennis Hall of Fame Ring at 2026 Legends Ball
SEO Description: Mary Carillo received her International Tennis Hall of Fame ring in New York after entering the Class of 2026 as a Contributor Category inductee.
