USTA Eastern and the Junior Tennis Foundation will host the 39th Eastern Tennis Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony & Gala on August 25, 2026 at the historic Metropolitan Club New York in Manhattan. The previously-announced 2026 class includes Joel Ross, Terry Phelps, Robbie Wagner, Jenny Schnitzer, and Danny Burgess.

“We are excited to welcome into the Hall two deserving players, who grew up in Eastern and made it into the professional ranks,”  said Junior Tennis Foundation Executive Director. “We are also thrilled to honor three absolutely extraordinary contributors to the sport in our section. All of this year’s inductees have left significant marks on the game and made a difference in many people’s lives. It’s such a pleasure to formally recognize their achievements.”

With their induction, the 2026 class joins fellow tennis trailblazers and notables Arthur Ashe, Mary Carillo, David Dinkins, Althea Gibson, “Original 9” member Julie Heldman, Billie Jean King, Ilana Kloss, John McEnroe, Patrick McEnroe, Renee Richards, Bob Ryland, Dick Savitt and former USTA President Katrina Adams in the Eastern Tennis Hall of Fame. 

Proceeds from the induction ceremony & gala will benefit JTF, which provides grants and other financial assistance to dozens of worthy tennis programs and organizations that focus on under-resourced and at-opportunity youth and people with disabilities. Since its incorporation in 1982, JTF has provided more than $3 million for programs and scholarships in the Eastern Section.

This year, we will be going back to our roots with a formal dinner. Please join us in celebrating the achievements of these remarkable individuals who have made lasting impacts on the world of tennis.

2026 EASTERN TENNIS HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES

Joel Ross is the founder of two prominent tennis academies. As a top Eastern junior growing up in Long Island, Professionly, Joel reached a world ranking of 288 in 1976.

Terry Phelps is a former world top 20 professional tennis player, who reached the quarters of Roland Garros in 1985. She grew up playing in Westchester, winning several national junior titles.

Robbie Wagner is a prominent tennis coach, club owner and founder of the Robbie Wagner Training Center in Glen Cove, LI. He has mentored dozens of high performance youth players

Jenny Schnitzer is the former CEO and Executive Director of USTA Eastern, where she worked for over 33 years, elevating the section to new heights. Her impact on Eastern is unrivaled.

Danny Burgess was a beloved tennis coach and community leader. He devoted decades of his life to helping others and bringing tennis to hundreds of youth and adults across Long Island. † In Memoriam

For questions, information or wire instructions, please contact Mark McIntyre at mark@juniortennisfoundation.org

Click Here for more information