Issue link: http://itf.uberflip.com/i/560492
Carillo provided the finale with a typically entertaining acceptance speech to the 350 guests, among them many fellow former players including Francoise Durr, Chris Evert, Mima Jausovec, Jan Kodes, Nicola Pietrangeli, Virginia Ruzici, Stan Smith, Fred Stolle, Mark Woodforde and Slobodan Zivojinovic. After pointing out that if it weren't for Philippe Chatrier himself (he reminder her to enter) she might never have won her 1977 Roland Garros mixed doubles title with John McEnroe, Carillo described what tennis has brought to her life and how fortunate she felt to have been able to carve her own special place in the sport she is so passionate about. It was a sentiment echoed by many in that beautiful room. Champions Wheelchair World Champions Yui Kamiji and Shingo Kunieda took their places in the spotlight as Japan celebrated receiving two awards in the same year for the first time. It was all new for first- time winner Kamiji, as it was for junior World Champions CiCi Bellis and Andrey Rublev. All were delighted to be there if a little nervous about speaking in public, something they will surely get used to in the coming years. A woman who has travelled the path from inexperienced young player to consummate public speaker was then introduced as the Philippe Chatrier Award winner. Mary Carillo, Francesco Ricci Bitti said, was a sports broadcaster who was a pioneer not just for women in her profession but for a new style of broadcasting. ITFWORLD SUMMER 2015 29 Wheelchair World Champions Yui Kamiji and Shingo Kunieda Bob and Mike Bryan accept their trophies Francesco Ricci Bitti and Serena Williams