By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
Maria Sharapova’s name in the sport of lawn tennis will forever be immortalized after getting elected into the International Tennis Hall of Fame Class of 2025.
Tagged as one of the most dominant tennis players in her era, the Russian powerhouse wrapped up her professional career with five Grand Slam championship titles and was also a former world no. 1 ranked female ace.
Sharapova took flight in 2005 when she became the first Russian to reach the top spot of the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) at the age of 18 years old.
Known for her tenacity and never-say-die attitude inside the playing court, Sharapova quickly became a crowd favorite after dominating the French Open Grand Slam scene where she won two titles.
However, it was on the Wimbledon stage, the world’s most famous grass court tournament, that she achieved her first-ever Grand Slam golden trophy.
“Most importantly, this recognition is such a beautiful reminder of the deep appreciation I have for my fans. Each one of you made me reach for the stars and look at what we have achieved together,” posted Sharapova on her official X account.
Despite the early success that she had, Sharapova faced the biggest challenge in her pro stint when she got banned by the International Tennis Federation (ITF) for two years.
The ITF found out that Sharapova tested positive for a banned substance called meldonium during her 2016 Australian Open campaign.
In 2017, Sharapova’s temporary ban was lifted by the ITF and she returned to the professional scene but failed to win a single Grand Slam until she retired.
Throughout her 19-year pro career, Sharapova amassed a total of 645 wins and 171 losses, capped off by 36 major titles.
Congratulations, Maria!
