Maria Sharapova has always been focused on her future rather than dwelling on her past successes. However, her induction into the International Tennis Hall of Fame offers her a rare moment to reflect.
“It’s incredible to realize the effort and sacrifices I made. All that hard work really paid off,” she shared on Friday, just one day ahead of her grand enshrinement alongside the legendary doubles duo, Bob and Mike Bryan. “And it was absolutely worth every moment.”
As one of only ten women to secure an individual career Grand Slam, the charismatic Sharapova skyrocketed to fame when she clinched the Wimbledon title in 2004, stunning two-time reigning champion Serena Williams in the final. Her illustrious career continued with U.S. Open glory in 2006, the Australian Open title in 2008, and French Open victories in both 2012 and 2014, marking her as the first Russian to ascend to No. 1 in the WTA singles rankings.
Sharapova also played a pivotal role in Russia’s triumph in the team competition now known as the Billie Jean King Cup in 2008, and she earned a silver medal in singles at the 2012 Olympics, finishing just behind Williams.
Beyond her on-court achievements, she amassed substantial endorsement deals, appearing in glamorous fashion shoots and gracing the cover of the Sports Illustrated swimsuit edition alongside top models.
Sharapova hung up her racket in 2020 at the age of 32, following a remarkable 15-year career that faced interruptions due to shoulder surgeries and a 15-month suspension after testing positive for the banned substance meldonium during the 2016 Australian Open. Although her initial two-year ban was reduced by the Court of Arbitration for Sport, which determined she had “less than significant fault,” the incident still marked a pivotal moment in her career.
During her visit to the renovated Hall in Newport, Rhode Island, on Friday, Sharapova expressed childlike excitement as the induction ceremony approached, eager to reconnect with the influential figures from her journey.
“Walking through those halls gives you a sense of belonging,” she stated. “You realize you’re part of a much bigger narrative in the history of our sport, surrounded by athletes who have achieved so much.”
Bob and Mike Bryan, a remarkable pair who collectively won 16 major titles in men’s doubles, dominated the rankings for 438 weeks at the No. 1 spot. (Mike Bryan holds the record with 18 major men’s doubles wins, including two with Jack Sock during Bob’s injury in 2018.)
They propelled the U.S. to victory in the Davis Cup in 2007 and secured a gold medal at the 2012 Olympics—an accomplishment already highlighted in the Hall’s exhibits.
“Experiencing the Hall, seeing relics of those we admired, and then coming across our Olympic shirt is truly a surreal experience,” Bob Bryan reflected. “It’s such a humbling moment.”
Hall president Patrick McEnroe, who captained the Davis Cup-winning team in 2007, acknowledged the significance of representing one’s country in competitions. Bob Bryan recently led the U.S. in an unsuccessful bid to break the recent drought in Spain.
“Taking part in the Davis Cup and performing for your country at the Olympics is incredibly meaningful to both of them,” said McEnroe, the younger brother of Hall of Famer John McEnroe. “It’s a legacy my brother and I embraced from our parents.”
Just 16 hours before the induction event, Sharapova mentioned that her speech was about 80% ready. Meanwhile, the Bryan twins found themselves in a light-hearted debate over whether to give a joint speech or deliver individual ones.
“I guess I’ll just play it by ear,” Bob Bryan quipped.
