Maria Sharapova and Bob & Mike Bryan inducted into the ITHF
On a warm summer evening, the International Tennis Hall of Fame welcomed Maria Sharapova and Bob and Mike Bryan on its iconic Horseshoe Court in Newport, Rhode Island. The Class of 2025 joined the sport’s most celebrated champions, receiving tennis’s ultimate honour and cementing their place in tennis history.
The Bryan brothers took the stage first, sharing their trademark energy and humour as they looked back on the unique path they carved in doubles tennis. From their earliest days on court together to becoming the most decorated team in history, the twins spoke about the lessons of discipline, teamwork, and joy in competition that carried them through. They credited coaches and mentors who guided their development and gave heartfelt thanks to the family who fostered not only their love of the game but also their deep bond as brothers and partners.
A surprise appearance by Serena William set the stage for Sharapova’s induction adding an unforgettable layer of poignancy, underscoring the respect and friendship that has grown out of one of the sport’s most famous rivalries. Sharapova followed with an address that combined wit and reflection. She spoke candidly about the challenges and triumphs of her career, the sacrifices made in pursuit of greatness, and the people who shaped her both on and off the court.
In the days leading up to the induction, Maria Sharapova, Bob, and Mike Bryan were presented with their Hall of Famer Brooks Brothers blazers, which for the first time featured custom linings designed by the inductees themselves to reflect significant milestones, achievements, and memories from their careers.
The induction ceremony capped a reimagined three-day celebration in Newport, bringing together stars of the game from past and present. Hall of Famers including Kim Clijsters, Andy Roddick, Arantxa Sánchez Vicario, Tracy Austin, and Stan Smith joined guests for clinics, conversations, and exhibitions, while James Blake, Gigi Fernández, and others participated in interactive events. Tracy Austin and the Bryan Brothers also spent time with young players during Q&A sessions and on-court demonstrations.
New this year, the Hall of Fame Celebrity Pro Classic featured two teams of Hall of Famers, celebrities, and creators competing in six mixed doubles matches. Participants included Hannah Berner, Uzo Aduba, Angela Kinsey, alongside Clijsters, Roddick, Sánchez Vicario, James Blake, and the Bryan Brothers.
Guests also experienced the Hall’s reimagined Fame Fest, a full-day celebration where tennis tradition met festival energy. The festival included exclusive Q&As with legends such as Stan Smith and Gigi Fernández, as well as live podcast recordings from Andy Roddick’s Served and Patrick McEnroe’s Tennis Worthy. The weekend also featured “Courting Fashion” at the historic Marble House, a cocktail event showcasing iconic tennis fashions, including Sharapova’s career-defining looks and rarely seen pieces from the ITHF archives. Guests included the Class of 2025, Andy Roddick, Angela Kinsey, and other notable figures from tennis and entertainment.
The weekend closed with a high-energy concert from Fitz and the Tantrums on Stadium Court, sending guests home on a celebratory note. For Sharapova and the Bryan Brothers, however, the most enduring memory will be their place in the Tennis Hall of Fame’s history, joining the select company of tennis greats whose impact on the sport will be remembered for generations.