Martina Hingis, Michael Stich, Helena Sukova nominated to hall

Martina Hingis of Switzerland, who won five Grand Slam singles titles, has been nominated for induction in the International Tennis Hall of Fame along with two-time Wimbledon singles champion Michael Stich of Germany and doubles star Helena Sukova of the Czech Republic.

The three are nominees for the 2013 class in the recent players category.

Induction requires 75% support from a selection panel.

“Martina Hingis, Michael Stich, and Helena Sukova worked hard to achieve the ultimate prizes in tennis -- top world rankings, Grand Slam titles, Fed Cup and Davis Cup success, and Olympic medals. For their dedication to our sport and extraordinary achievements, I’m very pleased to announce that they have been nominated to receive our sport’s highest honor, induction to the International Tennis Hall of Fame,” said Stan Smith in a statement Thursday.

Smith, a Hall of Fame inductee in 1987, is president of the hall and chairs its nominating committee.

Jennifer Capriati and Gustavo Kuerten were among inductees in this year’s class.

Thelma Coyne Long, whose playing career spanned more than 20 years, won 19 Grand Slam titles in singles, doubles and mixed doubles. The 94-year-old Australian has been nominated in the master player category.

Of local interest is the nomination of Charlie Pasarell, the former managing partner, owner and tournament director of the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells. Joining Pasarell as nominees in the contributor category are ESPN tennis analyst Cliff Drysdale and legendary power broker Ion Tiriac.

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