The five-time Grand Slam champion joined Bob and Mike Bryan in the Class of 2025, but it was Serena’s speech that stole the show. 2025 Getty ImagesTennis is still buzzing after Maria Sharapova’s induction into the International Tennis Hall of Fame—and the viral, emotional moment when Serena Williams, her biggest career rival, stepped on stage to introduce her.Sharapova, a five-time Grand Slam champion and former world No. 1, joined American doubles legends Bob and Mike Bryan in the Class of 2025. She reflected on her career, honored her father Yuri Sharapov’s sacrifices, and greeted Serena with a warm hug.👉 Read More: “Surprise!” Serena Williams introduces Maria Sharapova at International Tennis Hall of Fame induction ceremonyOn Tennis Channel Live, Alison Riske-Amritraj praised Serena’s surprise speech for its candor and “elegance.”“I don’t think any of us really expected to see her greatest rival take the stage to commend her on her wonderful career,” Riske-Amritraj said. “Just an incredible moment for tennis. I think this will go down as an iconic moment that we’ll never forget.”🖥️ WATCH: Maria Sharapova’s induction into the International Tennis Hall of Fame | 2025 Full CeremonyAfter the ceremony, which aired on Tennis Channel (watch the replay), Sharapova posted two photos on Instagram featuring Serena.“Thank you for having my back tonight, @serenawilliams. It meant the world to me 🥹,” she wrote.Serena shared her own post, revealing how the appearance came together.“Last night, I flew to Rhode Island for Maria Sharapova,” she wrote. “Maria’s career, as her dad put it yesterday, started with me and last night ended with me inducting her into the Tennis Hall of Fame.”A post shared by Maria Sharapova (@mariasharapova)In her caption, Serena called herself Sharapova’s “former rival, her forever fan, and now, her forever friend.”“I’m probably the last person you expected to see standing here tonight,” she said. “Honestly, a few years ago, I would’ve said the same thing. But years after getting to know her better, we now call each other friends. And when a friend calls, you answer.”A post shared by Serena Williams (@serenawilliams)Sharapova replied in the comments: “You are a class act. I am beyond grateful.”Social media lit up with congratulations for Sharapova and admiration for both players:This means more than you know, thank you @BillieJeanKing https://t.co/24kzWL1zQrWhat tennis embodies, all in one photo ❤️@serenawilliams | @MariaSharapova #InductionCelebration #ClosertoGreatness pic.twitter.com/PUdMEWgMMTSerena Williams introduced her career rival Maria Sharapova into the Tennis Hall of Fame, and her speech did not disappoint. 🥲🙌(🎥: @TennisChannel) pic.twitter.com/uy7yCcvRW5Serena Williams introducing arch-rival Maria Sharapova into the Tennis Hall of Fame.Life is crazy. pic.twitter.com/y91Joh6SIEICONSMaria + Serena pic.twitter.com/ntO3ESwOlVICONIC | Trust these two to break the internet on US Open eve…Serena Williams introduced Maria Sharapova for her Tennis Hall of Fame induction.The 23-time Grand Slam champion will be eligible for her own induction in 2027.📸 | Reba Saldanha [Reuters]; Joe Buglewicz [Getty] pic.twitter.com/t3QO43JiMl
