The U.S. Open Media Center at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center will be named in honor of BW alumnus Bud Collins '51. The recognition received unanimous support from the USTA Board of Directors, staff and other members of the international tennis media.A legendary tennis broadcaster, Collins got his start writing for the Boston Herald and later the Boston Globe before going on to do tennis commentary for major broadcast news networks such as NBC and ESPN. He has also written several books including Bud Collins' Encyclopedia of Tennis and The Education of a Tennis Player.
Collins has served on the Board of Directors of the International Tennis Hall of Fame and as President of the US Tennis Writing Association. He was inducted into the BW Alumni Athletic Association Hall of Fame in 1984.
In announcing the honor, USTA President, Katrina Adams wrote to Collins, '"Your long-time passion for, and commitment to, the sport of tennis is inspiring, and your work has contributed greatly to the growth of the sport-not only in the U.S. but around the world." The dedication of the US Open Media Center is a special tribute that reflects the outstanding career and lasting legacy that Collins has left on the tennis community.
The news was even welcomed by Billie Jean King herself, who tweeted, "I'm so happy to learn the media center at the #USTA National Tennis Center will be named for legendary journalist Bud Collins."
