Storytelling, Saying Yes and a Lifetime in Tennis with Mary Carillo

The TennisWorthy Podcast welcomes Class of 2026 inductee and broadcasting pioneer Mary Carillo to the show, as her good friend Patrick McEnroe sat down with legend in Indian Wells to discuss her upcoming induction into the Hall of Fame as a contributor.

Carillo shares memories and stories of her tennis roots in Douglaston, Queens, where she grew up alongside the McEnroe family. She reflects on her transition from a professional player—whose career was cut short by knee injuries—to a pioneering journalist known for her direct style and insightful storytelling.

The conversation covers her "say yes" attitude toward covering 17 Olympics and her experiences navigating a male-dominated industry while working alongside legends like Bud Collins and John McEnroe. Carillo also reveals the behind-the-scenes story of how her 1977 French Open mixed doubles title with John McEnroe came to be.

The TennisWorthy Podcast, presented by the International Tennis Hall of Fame, uncovers the sport's history and mindset of champions. Listen to every episode and view transcripts at tennisfame.com/podcast.