Last night, the Richmond tennis community came together to honor the Richmond Tennis Hall of Fame Class of 2025, and we’re proud to share that our own Irv Cantor was among this year’s inductees. Irv was celebrated alongside Valerie Farmer Ercelebi, Lloyd Hatcher Ford, and Mark Wesselink for their achievements, leadership, and long-standing commitment to shaping tennis in our city.
Founded in 1990 by the Richmond Tennis Association (RTA), the Hall of Fame recognizes individuals whose dedication has helped keep Richmond one of the best tennis towns in the country. Since 1954, the RTA has worked to grow the sport and preserve the city’s rich tennis legacy. Last night’s ceremony marked the induction of the Hall’s 11th class.
For Irv, this honor reflects a lifetime of service to the sport and a deep connection to the Richmond tennis community. His story began at Byrd Park, where he worked for the Richmond Tennis Patrons Association during his summers home from the University of Virginia. He often says that was the best job he ever had. The friendships he made then are ones he has carried with him ever since.
After playing on UVA’s varsity team from 1971 to 1975, Irv returned to Richmond to run junior tournaments and clinics through Richmond’s Parks and Recreation Department. He later served as co-director of the City Tournament in the late 1970s and early 1980s, helping build events that became cornerstones of local tennis.
Irv also served as legal counsel and co-promoter for an exhibition match between Bjorn Borg and Jimmy Connors at the Richmond Coliseum—famously making a last-minute trip to Philadelphia to bring Borg to Richmond to make the event in time. He went on to co-direct World Class, Inc., promoting exhibitions with Borg, Connors, and Roscoe Tanner, and even helped form a professional team for Best Products that included Richmond’s own Rodney Harmon and Mark Vines.
Richmond tennis history also brought him full circle. After serving as a ball boy at age 15 when Arthur Ashe played Davis Cup at Byrd Park, Irv later chaired a committee in 1992 aimed at bringing the Davis Cup finals to the Richmond Coliseum.
His dedication continues today. Since 2023, Irv has helped organize Tennis Under the Lights, a growing summer series at Byrd Park and Battery Park that brings players of all ages together. He is also working to bring public-access indoor courts to Byrd Park to support junior tennis development.
In addition to his local contributions, Irv serves on the board of the International Black Tennis Hall of Fame and is currently the RTA’s vice president. In January 2026, he will step into the role of president—a meaningful milestone for someone who first worked for the organization more than 50 years ago.
We’re proud to celebrate Irv’s induction and the positive impact he continues to make, both in the legal field and throughout the Richmond community. His passion for tennis, service, and mentorship embodies the spirit of this honor.
Congratulations, Irv, on being named to the Richmond Tennis Hall of Fame Class of 2025!
