The Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) recently announced its Men’s Hall of Fame Class of 2026, and it’s a banner year for Georgia tennis. Three of the five honorees have deep ties to the University of Georgia—highlighting the program’s national impact and rich legacy.
Manny Diaz
After 36 seasons at the helm of the Georgia men’s tennis program, Manny Diaz retires as the winningest coach in SEC history, boasting 781 career victories. Under his leadership, the Bulldogs captured four NCAA team championships and an incredible 29 SEC titles, making Athens one of the most respected hubs of college tennis in the country. Diaz is a three-time ITA National Coach of the Year and already a member of the Georgia Sports and Puerto Rican Tennis Halls of Fame. His induction into the ITA Hall is a fitting capstone to a legendary career.
John Isner
Before he became a household name on the pro tour, John Isner dominated the college tennis scene in Athens. As a Bulldog, he led Georgia to the 2007 NCAA team title, won the 2005 NCAA doubles championship, and posted 138 career singles wins, tied for most in program history. Isner’s powerful serve and clutch play made him a force in college—and later on the ATP Tour, where he reached No. 8 in the world, earned 16 career titles, and played in the longest match in tennis history at Wimbledon.
John Frierson
Though not a player or coach, John Frierson has been one of the most dedicated champions of Georgia tennis. Since 2015, he has served as curator of the ITA Men’s Hall of Fame, housed at the Dan Magill Tennis Complex in Athens. A lifelong fan of the sport and protégé of the legendary Dan Magill, Frierson has preserved countless pieces of collegiate tennis history and helped elevate the visibility of Georgia’s lasting impact on the game.
The induction ceremony will take place in May 2026 at the Dan Magill Tennis Complex in Athens, coinciding with the NCAA Division I Championships being hosted by the University of Georgia.
