Maria Sharapova's fiance Alexander Gilkes shows his support for Russian after her induction into International Tennis Hall of Fame

Maria Sharapova's fiance Alexander Gilkes recently celebrated the Russian's monumental achievement of being inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame's Class of 2025. Joining Sharapova in this distinguished class are the legendary Bryan Brothers, Mike and Bob, set to be honored in a grand ceremony next August.

Sharapova’s road to the Hall of Fame began with her professional debut on the WTA Tour at just 14 years old, when she showed early glimpses of the greatness to come. Her breakthrough came in 2004 when she stunned the tennis world by winning Wimbledon at just 17, defeating top seed Serena Williams in the final.

That victory catapulted her to superstardom and set the tone for a remarkable career that would see her win four more Grand Slam titles—one each at the US Open (2006) and Australian Open (2008) and two at the French Open (2012 and 2014).

The Russian reacted to her induction into the International Tennis Hall of Fame with pride, expressing her gratitude for the honor and thanking her fans for their votes.

"Incredibly grateful to receive this honor. A big thank you to The Hall of Fame, and to all the voters. 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. Thank you," Maria Sharapova wrote on X.

On October 2, 2024, Gilkes expressed his pride and joy by sharing a heartfelt message on Instagram, writing:

"Well done @mariasharapova. So well deserved."

Maria Sharapova's fiance Alexander Gilkes' Instagram story/@gilkesa

In addition to her Grand Slam victories, Sharapova achieved a career Grand Slam by winning all four major singles titles. She also won a silver medal at the 2012 London Olympics and spent 21 weeks as the World No. 1 in the WTA standings.

Beyond these triumphs, Sharapova achieved the rare feat of a career Grand Slam, winning all four major singles titles. She also earned a silver medal at the 2012 London Olympics and spent an impressive 21 weeks as the world number one.

Even as she faced numerous challenges, including injuries and a well-publicized doping suspension in 2016, Sharapova's resilience never wavered. She announced her retirement from professional tennis in 2020.

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Kim Clijsters broke the news of Maria Sharapova's induction into the International Tennis Hall of Fame

Maria Sharapova at the 2018 French Open (Image source: Getty)

Maria Sharapova responded with pure delight upon hearing from Kim Clijsters that she would be joining the International Tennis Hall of Fame’s Class of 2025.

The Hall of Fame’s official social media account recently posted a heartfelt video showing Clijsters, herself a Hall of Famer since 2017, delivering the exciting news to Sharapova personally.

"I’m about to jump on a call to let the class of 2025 know that they are going to be inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame. I'm a little bit nervous ‘cause it’s kind of a really, really big moment. So fingers crossed," Kim Clijsters said.

"On behalf of all of us here in Newport, Rhode Island, it is my honour and privilege to welcome you into the International Tennis Hall of Fame," she added.

Sharapova’s reaction to the news was both joyful and nostalgic as she reflected on the "prestige" associated with the Hall of Fame, recalling when she was asked to donate the dress she wore to her first Grand Slam victory.

“What a treat to see you! Thank you, Kim ! I knew that Kim Clijsters would be the source of good news. I remember the first time I ever thought of the prestige of the Hall of Fame was after winning my first Grand Slam and the Hall of Fame asking if they would have a dress to showcase in the museum. I was like, ‘Oh my goodness!’” Maria Sharapova said.

“It was one of those moments of joy that come after a big victory and I remember that so clearly. My manager coming up to me and was like, ‘You won’t believe it, your dress you played in is at the Hall of Fame,’” she added.

Calling the induction an "incredible recognition," Sharapova warmly thanked those who voted for her and extended special appreciation to Clijsters for sharing the news.

“In retirement, very seldomly do you get to reflect on your past because you move on so quickly with life’s responsibilities. This is an incredible recognition. Thank you so much, I’m so grateful to the Hall of Fame. I’m grateful to the voters. To get the news from you [Kim Clijsters] is very special. Thank you Kim,” Maria Sharapova said.

The induction ceremony for the Class of 2025 will be held in Newport, Rhode Island, next August.