Former world number one Maria Sharapova and American duo Bob and Mike Bryan will make up the class of 2025 when they will be inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in August next year.
Winner of 36 titles, including five slams, Sharapova spent 408 weeks in the Top 5 and is one of only 10 women of all time to achieve a career Grand Slam. The Bryan brothers combined to win 16 Grand Slam titles and remain the most successful team in ATP history, spending 438 weeks at the top of the rankings.
The induction of tennis legends is the result of a vote by leading journalists, historians and Hall of Famers. For the sixth year, fans once again had the chance to have their say, with Sharapova getting more bonuses from the numbers.
“Beyond all of their accomplishments on the court, the class of 2025 has had a profound impact on the game of tennis and has inspired generations of fans around the world,” said Kim Clijsters, President of the Hall of Tennis Famer and a member of the Class of 2017 Hall of Fame. We look forward to celebrating them in Newport next year.”
Clijsters also made a video call to the new dignitaries to share the long-awaited news.
“I knew Kim Clijsters would be a source of good news!” “I remember the first time I thought about being in the Hall of Fame: after I won my first Grand Slam, they asked me to show a dress at the museum and I thought, ‘Oh my God.’ It was one of those happy moments that come after a big win.
“When you retire, you often cannot think about your past life, because the responsibilities of life force you to move forward quickly. This is an amazing realization. Thank you very much. “I’m very grateful to the Hall of Fame and the voters.”
Contrary to tradition, the famous festival will arrive on new dates leading up to the US Open, August 21-23, 2025. Highlights will include the Hall of Fame Celebrity Pro Classic, a Courting Fashion show on the historic Marble. House and music.
To date, 267 players and assistants from 28 countries have received the highest honor in tennis.
In addition to her wins at Wimbledon in 2004, the US Open in 2006, the Australian Open in 2008 and Roland Garros in 2012 and 2014, Sharapova won the WTA Finals in Los Angeles in 2004 and won the silver medal at the London Olympics in 2012.