5-time Grand Slam champion and former world No. 1 Maria Sharapova, some of the recognizable tennis gamers within the historical past of the game, has been chosen for the Worldwide Tennis Corridor of Fame’s Class of 2025. The Russian tennis icon might be formally inducted on August 23 subsequent yr, in Newport, Rhode Island, alongside the legendary doubles duo, the Bryan brothers.
The induction of those tennis legends outcomes from a voting course of, the place main journalists, historians, and present Corridor of Famers forged their ballots. For the sixth consecutive yr, followers had been additionally invited to take part, and Sharapova garnered the best variety of bonus factors from the fan vote, additional solidifying her place in tennis historical past.
“Beyond each of their historic accomplishments on the court, the class of 2025 has had such a profound impact on the game of tennis and have inspired multiple generations of fans across the world,” mentioned Kim Clijsters, president of the Worldwide Tennis Corridor of Fame and sophistication of 2017 Corridor of Famer. “We look forward to celebrating them in Newport next year.”
Extremely grateful to obtain this honor. ???? A giant thanks to The Corridor of Fame, and to all of the voters. Most significantly, this recognition is such a ravishing reminder of the deep appreciation I’ve for my followers. Every one among you made me attain for the celebs ✨ and take a look at what… https://t.co/vRNp0JqR77
Sharapova expressed her gratitude on social media, sharing how deeply honored she felt to obtain such recognition. She thanked the Corridor of Fame and all of the voters, stating: “Most importantly, this recognition is 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 we have achieved together.”
Sharapova stands as one among solely 10 ladies in historical past to realize a profession Grand Slam. Recognized for her fierce competitiveness and world enchantment, the Nike athlete was a dominant power on and off the court docket, being named Forbes’ highest-paid feminine athlete for 11 consecutive years, because of her match winnings and profitable endorsement offers.
Nevertheless, her profession confronted a big setback in 2016 when she examined constructive for banned substance meldonium, resulting in a 15-month suspension from the game. Sharapova returned to competitors in April 2017, claiming her remaining title on the Tianjin Open in October of that yr. She retired in February 2020, forsaking a powerful document of 36 profession titles, together with 5 Grand Slam victories, and an Olympic silver medal representing Russia in 2012.
Throughout her profession, Sharapova held the world No. 1 rating on 5 separate events for a complete of 21 weeks and spent a rare 408 weeks ranked within the prime 5. The 37-year-old joins tennis greats within the Worldwide Tennis Corridor of Fame, an honor bestowed on 267 gamers and contributors from 28 nations. (supply: WTA)
