WATCH: Maria Sharapova reacts adorably to finding out from Kim Clijsters that she will be inducted into International Tennis Hall of Fame

Maria Sharapova had an adorable reaction after receiving the heartwarming news from Kim Clijsters that she will be inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame as part of the class of 2025. Alongside Sharapova, the Bryan Brothers, Mike and Bob, will also be honored in August next year.

Sharapova is a five-time Grand Slam champion, winning two titles at the French Open and one each at the Australian Open, Wimbledon, and the US Open. She was also ranked the World No. 1 in the WTA rankings and is one of only 10 women to achieve a career singles Grand Slam.

The 37-year-old also has won an Olympic medal, a silver medal at the 2012 London Games and she retired from professional tennis in February 2020.

Recently, the official social media account of the International Tennis Hall of Fame shared a video where Kim Clijsters, a member of the International Tennis Hall of Fame of the class of 2017, personally informed Maria Sharapova of her upcoming induction.

The process of being inducted involves nominations from the general public and global tennis community, eligibility checks, and voting by the Official Voting Group, which includes global tennis media and historians, as well as fans.

“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.

After Kim Clijsters gave Maria Sharapova the news of her induction, she had an adorable reaction to it. The Russian recalled how she understood the "prestige" of the Hall of Fame after she was asked to give the dress she wore during her first Grand Slam victory at the 2004 Wimbledon Championship, where she defeated Serena Williams in the final, to be displayed in the museum.

“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.

Maria Sharapova also described the induction as an "incredible recognition" and thanked all those who voted for her, including the fans . She also expressed her gratitude to Kim Clijsters for delivering the news of her induction.

“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.

Watch the video here :

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Maria Sharapova won her last Grand Slam at French Open 2014

Maria Sharapova with the 2014 French Open trophy [Source: Getty]

Maria Sharapova won her last Grand Slam at the 2014 French Open, her second title at Roland Garros.

Sharapova was seeded seventh in the tournament and she kicked off her campaign by defeating qualifier and fellow Russian Ksenia Pervak 6-1, 6-2 and Tsvetana Pironkova 7-5, 6-2 in the first and second rounds, respectively.

The former World No. 1 showcased her dominance by triumphing over Paula Ormaechea with a flawless 6-0, 6-0 score in the third round and then overcame 19th seed Samantha Stosur 3-6, 6-4, 6-0 in the fourth round.

In the quarterfinals, Sharapova defeated Garbine Muguruza 1-6, 7-5, 6-1 and then in the semifinals she registered a 4-6, 7-5, 6-2 win over 18th seed Eugenie Bouchard to secure her spot in the final.

In the title clash, Maria Sharapova emerged victorious over fourth seed Simona Halep with a 6-4, 6-7(5), 6-4 score to win the 2014 French Open title, her fifth and final Grand Slam victory.