The legendary Maria Sharapova has been inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame. The Russian asked Serena Williams to introduce her at the induction ceremony. The American gave a speech honoring her "former rival, former fan and friend forever". 

"There are only a few players in my career who have challenged me to be my best every time we stepped on the court," said Williams, who is eligible to be inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2027, adding: "Maria Sharapova was one of them. Whenever I saw her name next to mine in the draw, I made sure to practice harder".

Sharapova was joined in the Class of 2025 by doubles-dominant brothers Mike and Bob Bryan. Hall of Famers Martina Navratilova, Jim Courier, Stan Smith and Andy Roddick were among those in attendance, wearing their Hall of Fame blue blazers. |BGNES