Maria Sharapova, a five-time Grand Slam singles champion recognized both for her fierce competitiveness on the court and her high-profile presence off it, has been elected to the International Tennis Hall of Fame. Joining her as part of the 2025 inductee class are Bob and Mike Bryan, the dynamic twin duo who together won a record 16 Grand Slam men’s doubles titles, marking an extraordinary doubles career. The Hall of Fame, based in Newport, Rhode Island, announced these selections on Thursday, highlighting the significant contributions each has made to the sport of tennis.
Sharapova, renowned for her powerful strokes and resilience, achieved the prestigious career Grand Slam by winning each of the four major championships: Wimbledon, the U.S. Open, the Australian Open, and the French Open. Her journey began with a historic win at Wimbledon in 2004, where, at just 17, she defeated Serena Williams to claim her first major title. From there, she continued to dominate the sport with victories at the U.S. Open in 2006, the Australian Open in 2008, and at the French Open in 2012 and 2014. She became one of only ten women in tennis history to accomplish this feat and was the first Russian woman to be ranked No. 1 in singles on the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) Tour. Her career spanned 15 years before she retired in 2020 at age 32, a tenure marked by challenging injuries, including multiple surgeries on her right shoulder, and a 15-month doping suspension. Reflecting on her induction, Sharapova shared her gratitude in a social media post, saying she felt “incredibly grateful to receive this honor.
The Bryan brothers also earned the career Grand Slam in men’s doubles, dominating the ATP doubles rankings by holding the No. 1 spot for a record 438 weeks. Their accomplishments include a gold medal at the 2012 London Olympics and a pivotal role in helping the U.S. secure the 2007 Davis Cup title. Bob Bryan, currently captain of the U.S. Davis Cup team, will lead the American squad to the finals in Malaga, Spain, next month, aiming for the country’s first Davis Cup win since the brothers’ 2007 contribution. Bob, the left-handed half of the team, shared his pride in the induction, writing in a text message that he and his brother are “truly humbled and grateful to receive this honor.” Mike Bryan, the right-hander of the pair, further added to his achievements by securing two additional major titles with partner Jack Sock while Bob was sidelined with an injury in 2018, bringing Mike’s career total to 18 major men’s doubles titles — a record in the sport.
The Bryans expressed heartfelt appreciation for those who supported them throughout their career, especially their parents, who nurtured their love for tennis. As Bob shared, their parents created a “magical environment” that made tennis enjoyable, making it feel “like play, not work.” Over two decades, the brothers not only set records but revolutionized the doubles game with their signature chest bumps, camaraderie, and unmatched teamwork, inspiring future generations of doubles players.
Sharapova, meanwhile, saw her fame extend beyond the court. She amassed an impressive portfolio of endorsement deals, which supplemented her earnings significantly, making her one of the wealthiest female athletes globally. Known as much for her business savvy as her athletic skills, she often described herself as having “three sides”: the tennis player, the “normal girl,” and the businesswoman behind the “Maria Sharapova brand.” This brand helped her leverage her on-court success into a powerful off-court presence, complete with endorsements and business ventures, even as she continued to thrive in professional tennis.
However, Sharapova’s career was not without controversy. She faced a significant setback in 2016 after testing positive for meldonium, a newly banned substance, during the Australian Open. Originally handed a two-year suspension, she appealed the decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, which subsequently reduced her ban after determining she bore “less than significant fault.” The court also ruled that her infraction was not intentional, acknowledging the unique circumstances surrounding the substance’s ban. Sharapova served a 15-month suspension and returned to the sport with determination, although she eventually retired in 2020.
The Hall of Fame induction ceremony for Sharapova and the Bryan brothers is scheduled for August. Bob Bryan expressed excitement about celebrating the moment with family, friends, and supporters who have been part of their journey. “We look forward to sharing this moment with them next year,” he said, acknowledging the many people who contributed to their success.
One notable absence from this year’s inductee class is Daniel Nestor, the Canadian doubles specialist who won 12 Grand Slam titles in men’s and mixed doubles. Despite his impressive record, Nestor fell short of the required 75% of votes necessary for election to the Hall, marking his third and final year as a candidate. Hall of Fame voting is conducted by a panel comprising members of the media, historians, current Hall of Fame members, industry experts, and fans, reflecting a broad spectrum of the tennis community’s views on each candidate’s contributions to the sport.
For Sharapova and the Bryan brothers, induction into the International Tennis Hall of Fame represents the culmination of remarkable careers and cements their legacies in the history of tennis. Their impact on the game — from Sharapova’s global appeal and Grand Slam accomplishments to the Bryan brothers’ unparalleled dominance and innovation in doubles — will be remembered and celebrated for years to come.
