Maria Sharapova to be inducted into 2025 International Tennis Hall of Fame
Maria Sharapova has been announced as part of the 2025 inductees for the International Tennis Hall of Fame (ITHF), alongside doubles legends Bob and Mike Bryan.
Sharapova, the Bryan brothers and Daniel Nestor were shortlisted for next year’s induction after the fan vote, but the Official Voting Group of tennis journalists, historians and other Hall of Famers cut the list down to two.
This was the second consecutive year that Nestor has missed out due to the Official Voting Group, with the 12-time doubles Grand Slam champion yet to receive their approval.
When making the announcement, ITHF President and 2017 Hall of Famer Kim Clijsters broke the news to both Sharapova and the Bryan brothers, “I am honored to welcome Maria Sharapova and Bob and Mike Bryan as the International Tennis Hall of Fame’s Class of 2025.
“Beyond each of their historic accomplishments on the court, the Class of 2025 have had such a profound impact on the game of tennis and have inspired multiple generations of fans across the world. We look forward to celebrating them in Newport next year.”
Sharapova retired back in 2020 with 36 titles, five of those being majors and she is one of only 10 women in history to have completed the Career Slam.
The Russian also spent 21 weeks as World No.1, and claimed a silver medal at the London Olympics.
Incredibly grateful to receive this honor. 🤍 A big thank you to The Hall of Fame, and to all the voters. Most importantly, this recognition is such a beautiful reminder of the deep appreciation I have for my fans. Each one of you made me reach for the stars ✨ and look at what… https://t.co/vRNp0JqR77
— Maria Sharapova (@MariaSharapova) October 24, 2024
While the Bryan brothers, who are the most successful men’s doubles pairing in history, are the other inductees having won a record 119 ATP titles.
They won 16 majors together, that includes holding all four Grand Slams at the same time, as well as winning Olympic gold in London.
Both Sharapova and the Bryan brothers will be inducted into the ITHF in Newport, Rhode Island, in August next year.
Inside the baseline…
The International Tennis Hall of Fame includes some of the greatest players we have ever seen grace the courts, and Maria Sharapova and the Bryan brothers certainly fit that bill. There has been some controversy surrounding Sharapova’s induction given her doping ban in 2016, but regardless of this she has still achieved some incredible feats and the majority of these were prior to when she had been found to have taken the banned substance meldonium.
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