Maria Sharapova and the Bryan Brothers are two of the additions to the International Tennis Hall of Fame’s ballot for the class of 2025.
Induction into the International Tennis Hall of Fame is one of the prestigious honors in the sport. Being on the ballot gives players a chance to become one of the few men or women who get inducted.
An official voting group comprised of tennis journalists, historians, and current Hall of Famers will cast their ballots over the next month to decide which of the players on the ballot should be inducted.
Sharapova had a long and incredible career on the WTA Tour. She was just 17 years old when she won her first Grand Slam title at the 2004 Wimbledon Championships, overcoming Serena Williams in the final.
That loss may partially explain whyWilliams had beef with Sharapova during much of her playing career, although the two now share a good relationship. Williams went on to dominate her rivalry against the Russian.
Sharapova is also known for being one of just ten women in tennis history to achieve the Career Grand Slam in singles. She won the US Open in 2006, the Australian Open in 2008, and the French Open in 2012 and 2014.
Unfortunately, Sharapova’s achievements have been slightly overshadowed by her 15-month suspension for the banned substance meldonium in 2016. She returned to professional tennis the following year but was never the same player, retiring in 2020.
Nonetheless, the five-time Grand Slam champion still left a significant mark on the sport. Paula Badosa was a player who recently touted Sharapova as one of her biggest inspirations, demonstrating her legacy.
The Bryan Brothers (Mike Bryan and Bob Bryan) are the most successful doubles team in ATP Tour history. The Americans secured an amazing 16 major titles during their long partnership that lasted from their Grand Slam debut at the 1995 US Open to their retirement in August 2020.
They claimed six Australian Opens, five US Opens, three Wimbledons, and two French Opens. Bob and Mike Bryan also won at least one Grand Slam for 11 consecutive seasons, showing their unique consistency.
Other achievements from the American brothers include 438 weeks at the top of the ATP doubles ranking, winning gold at the 2012 Olympics, and being part of the United States’ successful 2007 Davis Cup team.
Daniel Nestor was the other player on the International Tennis Hall of Fame Ballot. Some may not rate his chances of being chosen by the voting group, but his achievements were also incredible.
Nestor is the most successful Canadian tennis player ever. He won 12 Grand Slam doubles titles. Eight were in men’s doubles, and four were in mixed doubles. He also completed a career Grand Slam in the men’s doubles.
Observing who is inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame will be fascinating. The Bryan Brothers could be the favorites because of their unique achievements, and they were never suspended for taking a banned substance. But it is impossible to predict that with certainty.
