Maria Sharapova, a distinguished five-time Grand Slam singles champion, has topped the fan vote for the International Tennis Hall of Fame, marking a significant step in her potential induction into the Hall’s next class.
The results, released on Friday, show Sharapova leading a highly competitive field, with American doubles legends Bob and Mike Bryan securing the second spot and Canada’s Daniel Nestor coming in third. The fan vote, which saw participation from tens of thousands of fans across 120 countries, is a key component of the Hall of Fame’s selection process.
Sharapova expressed her gratitude in a statement: “I am incredibly grateful to the fans all around the world who supported me during the International Tennis Hall of Fame’s fan vote. It is a tremendous honor to be considered for the Hall of Fame, and having the fans’ support makes it all the more special.”
The selection process for the Hall of Fame involves two steps. The first is the fan vote, and the second is an official panel composed of journalists, historians, and Hall of Famers who will vote on the final class of 2025. To be inducted, candidates must achieve a combined total of 75% from the official panel and the fan vote. Sharapova’s leading position in the fan vote grants her an additional three percentage points towards this total.
Sharapova’s illustrious career includes becoming the first Russian woman to reach No. 1 in the world, winning Wimbledon in 2004, the U.S. Open in 2006, and the Australian Open in 2008, as well as securing two French Open titles in 2012 and 2014. She was also a member of Russia’s 2008 Fed Cup championship team and earned a silver medal at the London Olympics in 2012.
The Bryans, who have clinched 16 Grand Slam doubles titles, will receive two additional percentage points from the fan vote, while Nestor, with eight Grand Slam doubles titles to his name, will receive one extra percentage point.
The final selections for the Hall of Fame’s next class will be announced at the end of next month.
