Eddie Jacques
Class of 2017
For Eddie Jacques, tennis was not simply a sport—it was a lifelong pursuit that began almost as soon as he could walk.
At just 2 years old, Jacques was already swinging a sawed-off racquet and hitting balls with the help of a machine. By age 5, he was winning tournaments, and by age 8, he had risen to the No. 1 ranking in Alabama. His early dedication quickly translated into one of the most decorated junior tennis careers in the nation.
A 1993 graduate of Huntsville High School, Jacques climbed to the No. 1 national ranking in junior tennis. His success led to international competition as part of the U.S. National Team, where he traveled throughout Europe and continued to excel. Entering college, he was widely regarded as the top recruit in the country.
At the University of Georgia, Jacques competed under legendary coach Manuel Diaz and thrived at the highest collegiate level. Despite battling injuries, he won three consecutive Southeastern Conference singles titles and maintained a national ranking no lower than fifth. In 1997, he earned NCAA All-American honors. He also competed in the junior divisions of the Australian Open, French Open, and U.S. Open, gaining valuable experience on the sport’s biggest stages.
After college, Jacques returned to Huntsville and transitioned into a successful career as a tennis professional and business leader. As owner and tennis director of the Athletic Club of Alabama, he has overseen two locations, managed dozens of employees, and helped grow the game locally. He is a certified member of the U.S. Professional Tennis Association and has served on the Alabama Tennis Association board.
From child prodigy to national champion to community leader, Eddie Jacques has dedicated his life to tennis. His Hall of Fame induction reflects both his excellence as a player and his lasting impact on the sport.
Disclaimer: This feature was generated with the assistance of AI using provided materials and publicly available information, and based on biographies written by Board members the year the inductees were selected. While efforts have been made to ensure accuracy, some details may require further verification.
