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New Tennis Hall of Fame inductee Maria Sharapova takes in the applause of the crowd on Day 2 of the US Open. (AFP)
Maria Sharapova received her US Open ring at Arthur Ashe Stadium on Monday, following her recent International Tennis Hall of Fame induction. The ceremony at Flushing Meadows in New York featured a special appearance where she wore a black dress reminiscent of her iconic 2004 tennis outfit.
On Sunday, former rival Serena Williams had introduced her at the Hall of Fame ceremony in Newport.The celebration began with smoke cannons and a red carpet welcome. Sharapova, dressed elegantly in black, thanked her supporters. "New York City, what a special place and special court," she said. "You people have made such an incredible impact on my journey and my career."
The five-time Grand Slam champion reflected on her 19-year journey, from wearing an Audrey Hepburn-inspired dress to becoming a tennis icon.
She was a pioneer in mixing fashion with sports, turning her image into a successful business venture. Between 2005 and 2015, she topped the list of highest-paid female athletes, earning $29.7 million in 2015 alone.Sharapova's career wasn't without controversy. She faced injuries and served a 15-month suspension for unintentional doping. Still, her achievements speak volumes - turning pro at 14, winning Wimbledon at 17, and collecting titles at all major Grand Slams.
Serena Williams surprises crowd to introduce Maria Sharapova at Hall of Fame (@TennisHalloFame on X)
The Hall of Fame ceremony highlighted the evolution of her rivalry with Serena Williams into friendship. Williams, who won 20 of their 22 matches, spoke warmly at the induction: "Maria and I were once the fiercest of rivals. We had our differences. To the world, we were miles and miles apart, but the truth is we weren't."Sharapova's memorable 2004 Wimbledon victory over Williams remains significant for both players. While Williams called it "one of my hardest losses," it marked the beginning of Sharapova's remarkable career. In her acceptance speech, Sharapova emphasised that while she cherished the quiet victories, her major achievements secured her place in tennis history.
English (US) ·