RUSSIAN ON IN Former Wimbledon champion Maria Sharapova inducted into tennis Hall of Fame with three-day party planned
Russian star boasted incredible Forbes money record for 11 consecutive years
Joshua Jones, Sport Reporter
Published: 18:02, 24 Oct 2024Updated: 18:12, 24 Oct 2024
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MARIA SHARAPOVA will be inducted into the tennis Hall of Fame.
And she is set to celebrate with a bumper three-day party in Rhode Island.
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Maria Sharapova will be inducted into the tennis Hall of Fame
Maria Sharapova will be inducted into the tennis Hall of FameCredit: The Mega Agency
The Russian beat Serena Williams aged 17 to win Wimbledon in 2004
The Russian beat Serena Williams aged 17 to win Wimbledon in 2004Credit: EPA
Sharapova, 37, joined legendary doubles twins Bob and Mike Bryan in the Class of 2025.
And the trio look set to mark the occasion in style.
The Hall of Fame are putting on a huge event at their Newport base from August 21-23 next summer.
Plans for various events are in place – including meet and greets, a tennis fashion show, a live concert and even the first Celebrity Pro Classic.
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That will see a host of tennis legends team up with celebrities to play in a mixed-doubles tournament on site.
Sharapova and the Bryans will join the other 267 inductees in the Hall of Fame representing 28 countries.
Kim Clijsters, president of the International Hall of Fame, said: “I am honored to welcome Maria Sharapova and Bob and Mike Bryan as the International Tennis Hall of Fame’s Class of 2025.
“Beyond each of their historic accomplishments on the court, the Class of 2025 have had such a profound impact on the game of tennis and have inspired multiple generations of fans across the world.
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“We look forward to celebrating them in Newport next year.”
Sharapova announced herself on the global stage when she won Wimbledon aged 17 in 2004.
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The Russian superstar then added the US Open, Australian Open and two French Opens in an illustrious career that saw her become only one of ten women to complete the singles career Grand Slam.
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The former world No1 was named Forbes’ highest-paid female athlete in the world for 11 straight years thanks to her epic on-court earnings and lucrative endorsement deals.
However, Sharapova was banned for 15 months until April 2017 for failing a drugs test and retired in February 2020.
Away from tennis, she has launched a successful business empire alongside her fiance Alexander Gilkes worth £150million – with whom she has a son, born in July 2022.
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Upon news of the announcement, Sharapova tweeted: “Incredibly grateful to receive this honour.
“A big thank you to The Hall of 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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The Bryans, meanwhile, won 16 Majors together, four ATP Finals and 119 titles overall – as well as Olympic gold and Davis Cup glory for the USA.
Mike, the older brother by two minutes, won an extra two Grand Slams with Jack Sock while Bob was out injured.
Sharapova attended the Wimbledon final in 2024Credit: Darren Fletcher
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Twins Bob and Mike Bryan will also join the Hall of Fame next yearCredit: Getty Images – Getty
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Topics
WimbledonMaria Sharapova
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