Maria Sharapova, American twin Bryan brothers elected into Tennis Hall of Fame
Five-time Grand Slam singles champion Maria Sharapova and the record-breaking American twins Bob and Mike Bryan have been selected.
For the International Tennis Hall of Fame’s Class of 2025, according to an announcement made on Thursday. The induction ceremony is scheduled for August 23 at the Hall of Fame in Newport, Rhode Island, where the tennis icons will officially be honored for their remarkable careers.
Sharapova, now 37, made history as the first Russian woman to achieve the world No. 1 ranking in 2005. Over her illustrious career, she won all four Grand Slam titles, becoming one of only 10 women to complete a career Grand Slam. She also earned a silver medal at the 2012 London Olympics. Reflecting on the honor, Sharapova expressed her gratitude on social media: “Incredibly grateful to receive this honor… 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.”
Though widely admired for her fierce competitiveness, Sharapova’s career was not without controversy. In 2016, she tested positive for meldonium and received a 15-month suspension following an appeal. Despite this setback, Sharapova’s achievements on and off the court, including nearly $40 million in prize money, solidified her as one of the most recognizable and successful athletes in the world before her retirement in 2020.
Meanwhile, the Bryan brothers, Bob and Mike, are widely regarded as the most successful doubles team in tennis history. The Californian duo, who played together throughout their professional careers, won 16 Grand Slam men’s doubles titles and held the world No. 1 ranking for an unparalleled 438 weeks. The Bryans amassed a record 119 titles, including 39 ATP Masters 1000 titles and an Olympic gold medal in 2012.
“Beyond their historic accomplishments on the court, the Class of 2025 has had a profound impact on the game of tennis, inspiring multiple generations of fans worldwide,” said Hall of Fame President and former world No. 1 Kim Clijsters in a statement.