By Erik Gudris | Saturday, August 23, 2025
Photo Credit: International Fame Hall of Tennis Facebook Facebook
Surprise!
This was the perfect word to describe seeing all the brilliant time Serena Williams are presented like him to foster rival in long time Maria Sharapova In the Hall of International Tennis Fame in Newport, Rhode Island.
Williams amazed the participants in person and the world of tennis, looking around the world as she went on stage to celebrate Maria Sharapova’s career and heritage. Their long, though one -sided rivalry in terms of victories in favor of Williams, prevailed on the WTA tour for more than a decade.
Sharapova, a former world no. 1 in singles, and five times the great champion, was included in the Hall of Fame along with the legends of the doubles Bob and Mike Bryan During the ceremony.
“I know I’m probably the last person to wait to see here tonight,” Williams said after receiving warm applause from the audience. “Honestly, a few years ago, I would probably say the same thing.”
Williams revealed that it was really Sharapova herself who reached her former rival to be what introduced her into the elite institution that celebrates the best tennis.
A few months ago, Mary sent me messages she had to speak … When I called her, she asked if I would introduce her to the Hall of Fame. Before she could finish her question, I said yes – loudly, immediately, with my whole chest. Because, of course, it’s Maria.
Williams dominated the overall head of the head against Sharapova in their careers. Between 2004 and 2019, Williams runs their overall match of the 20-2 match.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mxac46r0d-e
Sharapova’s victory over Williams at the final end of Wimbledon 2004 cement Russian as a superstar and began the long rivalry that Williams would fully dominate their careers.
“To date, she calls it the peak of her career,” Williams said in her speech. “And to date, I call it one of my hardest losses.”
Williams and Sharapova would face each other in three other finals Grand Slam (2007 Australian Open, 2013 Roland-Garros, and 2015 Australian Open). Williams also defeated Sharapova in the Gold Medal match at the 2012 London Olympics.
“Maria and I once were tougher of rivals, we had our differences – in the world, we looked miles and miles away,” Williams said. “But the truth is, we weren’t. We wanted the same thing, in the exact time: be the best.
“This is what made our rivalry so electric, and so iconic.”
Williams and Sharapova shared a warm hug after Sharapo went on stage.
“Serena did more than sharpening my game,” Sharapova said in her acceptance speech, “she helped crystallize my sense of identity.”
