Serena Williams was anticipated to appear on the International Tennis Hall of Fame ballot in 2027 after retiring from tennis in 2022, fulfilling the five-year absence requirement. However, her return to the court has altered that expectation. The nominees announced on October 18 include Ash Barty, Juan Martín del Potro, and Svetlana Kuznetsova, but not Williams.

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Ash Barty, nominated in her first year of eligibility, retired as the world No. 1 in March 2022 shortly after winning the Australian Open. She holds three major singles titles on various surfaces and has also claimed 15 WTA singles titles, along with the 2018 US Open women’s doubles title. Her impressive record has solidified her position among the nominees.

Juan Martín del Potro returns to the ballot after missing previous elections. Known for his victory at the 2009 US Open, where he defeated Roger Federer, he has 22 tour-level titles to his name, along with an Olympic singles silver medal and a Davis Cup win for Argentina in 2016. Injury setbacks have shaped his career, but his significant achievements remain notable.

Svetlana Kuznetsova is also back on the ballot, recognized for her success in both singles and doubles. She won the US Open in 2004 and the French Open in 2009, along with Australian Open doubles titles in 2005 and 2012. With a total of 18 WTA singles and 16 doubles titles, she reached career-high rankings of No. 2 in singles and No. 3 in doubles.

In the Wheelchair Tennis Category, Japan’s Shingo Kunieda has been nominated. The four-time Paralympic gold medalist boasts 50 major titles, including 28 in singles and 22 in doubles. He held the world No. 1 ranking for a record 582 weeks and retired in 2023 while still leading the rankings.

For induction into the Hall of Fame, candidates must demonstrate a distinguished record and not be active on the ATP or WTA Tours for five years prior to election. They must garner at least 75% support from the Official Voting Group, which includes media, historians, and Hall of Famers. Additionally, fan voting can provide bonus points to nominees. Voting for the Class of 2027 will close on October 25, with official voting results to follow later this fall.