Maria Sharapova retired over five years ago, yet her name still echoes daily in tennis conversations. Each time a Grand Slam rolls around, fans are quick to reminisce about the Russian’s unforgettable persona and glamorous dresses, which to this day remain unmatched by her successors. Now she has been enshrined in the International Tennis Hall of Fame in Newport, Rhode Island, alongside doubles greats Mike and Bob Bryan, joining the list of legends who have shaped the sport’s history.
Sharapova’s career was nothing short of remarkable. She burst onto the scene as a 17-year-old at Wimbledon in 2004, stunning Serena Williams in the final to claim her first Grand Slam title. That victory catapulted her into global stardom, both as a fierce competitor and as a fashion icon who redefined how tennis and style could intersect. Over the years, she added four more majors to her résumé: the 2006 US Open, 2008 Australian Open, and two Roland Garros crowns in 2012 and 2014. With those triumphs, she joined the exclusive group of players to complete a career Grand Slam.
Sharapova reached world No. 1, won 36 career titles, and earned an Olympic silver medal in London 2012. Beyond the numbers, she was admired for her mental toughness, relentless fighting spirit, and ability to deliver on the sport’s biggest stages. Her rivalry with Serena Williams, though lopsided, was one of the most talked-about dynamics in modern tennis.
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During the induction ceremony on August 24, it was Serena herself who introduced Maria to the Hall of Fame. Her speech was deeply moving, filled with warmth, admiration, and respect between two former rivals who pushed each other to greatness. At one point Serena reflected:
“We looked miles and miles apart, but the truth is… we weren’t. We wanted the exact same thing, at the exact same time: to be the very best. And in our sport, only one person can walk away with the trophy. And what’s really wrong with wanting to be your best? Nothing! In fact, it’s what drove us.”
The cameras cut to Sharapova, visibly touched by her rival’s words.
Later, Serena shared what became one of the most memorable parts of her tribute:
“The more I got to know Maria, the more I realized how much we shared. Champions actually always have a lot in common. I once asked her how she celebrated her wins, and she said, ‘Celebrate? What does that even mean?’ She was always focused on the next goal, the next title, the next challenge. And honestly, that sounded a little too familiar. When I asked if she celebrated her retirement, she shot back, ‘Did you?!’ We both laughed, because we both knew that neither of us had. Champions do not live in the rearview mirror. We do not look back. We keep going, keep adapting, and keep thinking about our next win. Champions move forward, champions live in the present. Maria was, and still is, the personification of that.”
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Sharapova later revealed that Serena had actually interviewed her for an hour while preparing the tribute, joking that her longtime rival might have won yet another competition—the speech competition.
Off the court, Sharapova transcended tennis with her entrepreneurial ventures, most notably the launch of her premium candy brand, Sugarpova, and her role as a global ambassador for the sport. She became a symbol of determination and resilience, bouncing back from injuries and setbacks, including a doping suspension, to once again rise to the top of the game.
Her induction into the Hall of Fame cements her legacy not only as one of the greatest players of her era but also as a cultural icon who left a lasting imprint on tennis fashion, business, and global visibility. For fans, Maria Sharapova will always be remembered as much for her thunderous groundstrokes and fierce on-court presence as for the elegance and glamour she brought to the game.
