By McCarton Ackerman, USTAFoundation.com
Former USTA Foundation chairwoman Mary Carillo is being honored for her achievements on and off the court with one of the highest accolades in tennis.
The International Tennis Federation announced that it will present Carillo with the organization's most prestigious honor, the Philippe Chatrier Award, during the 2015 ITF World Champions Dinner. The event will take place June 2 in Paris.
The award, named after the former ITF president, was introduced in 1996 and is given annually to one recipient for outstanding contributions to the sport. Previous winners include Billie Jean King, John McEnroe and Martina Navratilova.
“I was fortunate enough to know Philippe and have long admired and embraced his vision, spirit and love for our sport,” said Carillo. "I am honored beyond measure to receive this magnificent award from the ITF.”
Carillo enjoyed a brief but successful pro career that saw her win the mixed doubles title with McEnroe at the 1977 French Open, her debut year on tour. Three years later, injuries forced her to call time on her playing days.
Shortly after retiring in 1980, she transitioned into a TV career by serving as a tennis analyst for USA Network. Carillo has gone on to cover 12 summer and winter Olympics, in addition to winning a Sports Emmy and two Peabody Award for documentaries about Billie Jean King and women in sports.
She has also been applauded for her philanthropic efforts to give back to tennis, including her term as chairwoman of the USTA Foundation from 2009 to 2014.
“Despite her many achievements on a wider stage, Mary Carillo remains a fearless and passionate commentator on tennis and her unique voice has done much to champion our sport and the other causes that are close to her heart,” said ITF President Francesco Ricci Bitti. "Her contributions to tennis over more than three decades make her a worthy recipient of the ITF’s highest honour.”
Carillo will also serve as analyst for the Tennis Channel during this year’s French Open.