‘Dad, We Actually Did This Collectively’ — Maria Sharapova and Her Father Battle Again Tears Throughout Her Corridor of Fame Induction
The feelings ran excessive in Newport, Rhode Island, on Saturday as five-time Grand Slam champion Maria Sharapova was inducted into the Worldwide Tennis Corridor of Fame. The previous World No. 1 shared this milestone with relations and fellow gamers from her period, making a day crammed with pleasure and celebration.
How Did Yuri Sharapov Form His Daughter’s Tennis Legacy?
A notable determine within the entrance row was Sharapova’s father, Yuri Sharapov, who performed an integral function in shaping her skilled sporting profession. The ceremony additionally featured a shock look from former World No. 1 and 23-time Grand Slam champion Serena Williams, who got here to honor one in every of her fiercest rivals from their taking part in days.
In her Corridor of Fame induction speech, Sharapova paid a heartfelt tribute to her father for his tireless efforts all through her life in pushing the Russian star to grow to be among the best in ladies’s tennis.
Sharapova stated, “Dad, we actually did this collectively, didn’t we? I used to be somewhat nervous when my dad advised me he was going to decide on a go well with for immediately with none supervision, however you do. You look good. I approve. It’s at all times a scary thought as a daughter. I’m such a fortunate lady to have navigated this journey beneath your wings when nobody believed we may.”
Sharapova with some incredible phrases to dad Yuri.
Each cry.
Lovely scenes. pic.twitter.com/odBHwMSneL
— José Morgado (@josemorgado) August 24, 2025
She added, “And also you at all times did. You had conviction in your choices, and also you by no means appeared again. You have been robust. You have been robust, and also you repeatedly anticipated me to lift my requirements. However alongside the best way, you by no means forgot your most vital function, to be my father. It’s a present I’m deeply grateful for. Thanks.”
The gorgeous phrases moved each father and daughter, who might be visibly seen preventing again tears as the group applauded the heartfelt gesture. Nevertheless, Sharapova wasn’t the one one who delivered a memorable speech that day, as Williams had made a shock entry on stage earlier to introduce Maria to the group.
What Did Serena Williams Say About Maria Sharapova?
Williams shared wonderful phrases to introduce one in every of her most difficult rivals from their prime tennis taking part in days. Praising Sharapova, Williams stated, “There are just a few gamers in my profession who challenged me to be the perfect, each single time we stepped out on the courtroom.”
Serena Williams introducing Maria Sharapova to the Tennis Corridor of Fame. Like to see it! pic.twitter.com/166B8etSDc
— José Morgado (@josemorgado) August 23, 2025
Williams continued, “Maria Sharapova was one in every of them. Every time I noticed her identify subsequent to mine within the draw, I made positive I practiced tougher. She really jogs my memory loads of Venus. The extra I do know her, the extra I feel the issues we share and may share sooner or later (…) I feel she may have been my sister.”
The 2 champions have performed exhilarating tennis towards one another since 2004, dealing with off in 22 matches all through their careers. Williams leads the all-time sequence 20-2. Sharapova defeated Williams solely twice in her profession: as soon as on the Wimbledon finals and one other time within the 2004 WTA Championships remaining.
