Mary Carillo, a prominent figure in sports broadcasting, is set to be inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame. The induction ceremony, which will also honor Roger Federer, is a moment Carillo anticipates with a mix of emotion and pragmatism.
"Roger is very emotional. We know that Roger’s a crier. I can get pretty jammed up myself," Carillo told The Post. "I don’t know if it will affect me, honestly. I’ve gotta give a speech. I hope it lands. I hope I don’t lose it completely."
Carillo's career has taken her from her roots in Douglaston, Queens, to broadcasting events worldwide. She maintains a strong connection to her hometown, recalling her early days working at the Douglaston Club. "There’s gonna be a celebration, a watch party at the Douglaston Club on Saturday night up on the third floor," she said. "I was a waitress at the Douglaston Club. I worked at the snack bar at the Douglaston Club. I dragged clay courts at the Douglaston Club, and that’s where I played."
Her experiences in Queens have shaped her perspective, particularly regarding the New York tennis crowd. "These are my people! I’m a chick from Queens! Once fans go to the U.S. Open, they become New York fans. They understand the assignment. The U.S. Open makes a different sound from any other tournament in the world."
Reflecting on her career, Carillo spoke about her journey in broadcasting, noting the significant changes for women in the industry. "When I first started working in television, I could only call women’s tennis. I wasn’t allowed to call men’s tennis. I’m very happy to report that things have changed considerably."
Carillo also shared her admiration for numerous tennis luminaries, including Billie Jean King, whom she considers an idol and mentor. "She created my life for me," Carillo stated. She also spoke about John McEnroe, describing him as an exceptionally gifted player even from a young age. "His game, his hands, his touch, his concept, his understanding of the angles in a court. … He could see winners that nobody else could see."
Her own playing career was cut short due to knee issues. "I had been riding on rims for so long. I knew in high school that I wasn’t gonna be able to play a lot of tennis," she explained. "My knees told me they were done."
Looking ahead to the U.S. Open, Carillo offered her thoughts on potential champions. "It’s an open question for me," she said regarding the men's singles title, citing concerns about Carlos Alcaraz's recent inactivity. For the women's field, she noted Coco Gauff and Iga Swiatek as strong contenders, while also keeping an eye on Aryna Sabalenka and Naomi Osaka.
She also identified potential