Maria Sharapova and the Bryan brothers, Mike Bryan and Bob Bryan, have been inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame, recognizing their incredible achievements.
Sharapova became a legend in singles during her career, while the Bryan brothers are the most successful doubles team in tennis history with numerous achievements to their name.
The 2004 Wimbledon Championships turned Sharapova into a star at the age of 17. She memorably defeated Serena Williams in the final to win the title as a teenager and establish herself as a force to be reckoned with.
Sharapova went on to win the 2006 US Open, the 2008 Australian Open, and the 2012 and 2014 French Opens. She used to struggle on clay the most but ended her career with more Grand Slams at Roland-Garros than any other major.
Other achievements included becoming the world No. 1 in 2005 and winning the 2004 WTA Finals. Her contribution to the sport means Sharapova's entry into the International Tennis Hall of Fame is undoubtedly deserved.
The same can also be said about the Bryan Brothers. They won their first Grand Slam title more than 21 years ago at the 2003 French Open, and their success grew further.
By the end of their careers, the Bryan brothers had won 16 Grand Slam doubles titles together, including six Australian Opens. Both men also helped to bring attention to doubles with their achievements.
Sharapova, along with Serena Williams, also changed the narrative around tennis players by pursuing other activities outside of tennis while still playing. One example was Sharapova starting a confectionary company called Sugarpova.
Williams and Sharapova building careers in the business world led to them making a lot of money outside of tennis. Toni Nadal admitted they made more than his nephew Rafael Nadal but said they deserved to because they generated it.
Speaking to three-time US Open champion Kim Clijsters after being told about her induction, Sharapova recalled the first time she ever thought about being inducted into the Hall of Fame during her career.
"I remember the first time I ever thought of the prestige of the Hall of Fame was after winning my first Grand Slam and the Hall of Fame asking if I'd have a dress to showcase at the museum, and I was like, 'oh my goodness.'"
The Bryan Brothers paid tribute to all those who had supported them when talking to Clijsters, especially their parents, who always gave them unconditional love and support.
"There was a lot of people who were involved in our career. Obviously, our parents, who made tennis fun for us, supported us along the way with unconditional love and support."
Sharapova also commented about her induction in a post on X (formerly Twitter), expressing her gratitude and thanking her fans for their continued support.
"Incredibly grateful to receive this honor. A big thank you to The Hall of the 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 we have achieved together. Thank you."
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