Flashback: Florida Tennis Teaching Pro Rescues Renowned International Tennis Hall of Fame During Fire

On a lovely June 5, 1998 summer morning John Mellekas became an international sports museum and complex hero. Without a second thought, Mellekas volunteered to lead the way. He escorted the firemen to the third floor of the iconic steeple of The International Tennis Hall of Fame. It was a heroic act by veteran tennis teaching professional and grass/clay court expert, Mellekas. 

This memorable undertaking was strongly appreciated and admired by management, fellow staff members and his family. “It was a very brave undertaking by Uncle John. We were all so proud of him. Any potential fear of entering the burning building was overridden by guts to help save the museum” shared nephew Jon Jones.

Mellekas has been an accomplished athlete all his life, starting as a little league baseball standout in Rhode Island. He then discovered his adoration for the life-time sport of tennis rapidly becoming a tennis champion in the Ocean State. While attending the University of Rhode Island, John discovered an added side of his cherished game. This college kid linked in with the tennis maintenance staff of the grass and clay courts at the celebrated International Tennis Hall of Fame. After graduation, he was recruited by the worldwide renowned tennis organization. Quickly, he became skilled in the grass and clay court business and developed the competency to become supervisor of the department working there for twenty-five years.

Photo courtesy of International Tennis Hall of Fame

Mellekas is a member of Racquet Sports Professional Association (RSPA), formally United States Professional Tennis Association (USPTA). He has shared his acumen at the Meadows Country Club, The Lake Club and the Lakewood Ranch National Golf Club.

The non-profit Newport, Rhode Island complex and museum includes thirteen grass courts and an indoor tennis complex.

The International Tennis Hall of Fame, accredited by the American Alliance of Museums is a Smithsonian Affiliate and was recognized by the International Tennis Federation in 1986. The museum recounts the chronicles of the sport of tennis from the 12th century through the current day. The museum's 13,000 square feet contains 30,000 objects, including modern and historic tennis equipment, artifacts from Hall of Famers and other significant figures, trophies, textiles and clothing, and furnishings. It retains 5,000 books, 3,000 audio-visual materials, one million plus photographic images, and a comprehensive collection of magazines, programs, periodicals, blueprints and archival materials.

The first Saturday following the Wimbledon Finals is the International Tennis Hall of Famers Induction. It includes: Recent Players, Contributors and Wheelchair Players. The weekend celebration also includes the ATP INFOSYS Hall of Fame semifinals and finals. Looking ahead, the 2025 Hall of Famers will include the Bryan Brothers (Bob and Mike), Maria Sharapova, and Daniel Nestor.

Photo courtesy of Dave "Koz" Kozlowski

Koz: John, when did you know where the fire started?

Mellekas: I had just finished working on the courts. I was looking around and then I saw the building next to the Museum. The flames were being gusted over to the third floor of the Museum. There were fireman all over the place. They were in need of having someone to guide them to where the fire was located. Four or five fireman and I arrived on the second floor. There a small entrance door with winding stairs to the next floor. The door was not very visible. The firemen said that they wouldn’t have found it. There was blazing above us with smoke bellowing all around. It was like a cloud. It was about six feet above floor level. I had to duck my head to pass through. We pulled the hoses to the side porch and then to the third hall. I stayed there with them to see if I could help any more.

Koz: John, how much personal emotion was involved with this crusade?

Mellekas: I didn’t think about the emotion. I just thought about how much that we could save. At that point the damage was water damage. It was an old building; the rafters were dry and fire spread fast. Finally it got so bad. The firemen told me that I didn’t have on the correct apparatus and for my safety, it was time to leave.

Koz: John, not everyone could do what you did in helping with the fire. How good of a feeling was that for you?

Mellekas: I never looked at it as being dangerous. I just felt good that I was there to help save a part of the museum. I worked for Hall of Fame. It was my life. I feel that it was part of my job.

Koz: On a lighter note, maintaining the grass courts is a science. It is an art. But how much pressure could a conscientious person as you feel the week that the International Hall of Fame Pro Tournament was in town?

Mellekas: We all had strong pride. We wanted the grass courts to be at their best. But I must tell you, it was worth all the efforts, when John McEnroe personally came up to me and said “these are the best playing grass courts on which I have ever played.” I can remember it.

Koz: John, the tennis industry and world are happy to have you in our game.

Mellekas: Koz, thank you.

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Written by: Dave "Koz" Kozlowski. Top photo courtesy of International Tennis Hall of Fame.