Williams’s post, a carousel of photos from the ceremony in Newport, Rhode Island, was captioned with a tribute to a journey from rivals to friends. "Last night- I flew to Rhode Island for Maria Sharapova. Maria’s career as her dad put it yesterday- started with me and last night ended with me inducting her into the tennis hall of fame." The statement made heads spin, given the years of fierce on-court battles and biting public commentary that defined their relationship.
A Wave of Conflict: The Troubled History Between Two Titans
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She framed the moment as an example of unity and respect. "This is women supporting each other and respecting each others greatness. Congratulations @mariasharapova it is my honor — as her former rival, her forever fan, and now, her forever friend — to welcome Maria Sharapova into the International Tennis Hall of Fame.”
Tides of Opinion: Fans Divided by Unprecedented Forgiveness
The reaction from fans was swift and deeply polarized. Many could not reconcile the decades-long animosity with this sudden act of grace. One fan expressed their dismay directly to Williams: “Girrrllll I almost unfollowed you for this. This is still too much for me. The trauma of yalls rivalry and the way they made you out to be the bad guy in the media back then. I'm proud of you but also want to see this type of grace extended to you. We're always having to go high even after the lowest of people go to hell.”
NEWPORT, RHODE ISLAND - AUGUST 23: Serena Williams embraces Maria Sharapova during the 2025 Induction Celebration weekend at the International Tennis Hall of Fame in Newport, R.I. on Saturday, August 23, 2025. (Photo by Joe Buglewicz/Getty Images for International Tennis Hall of Fame)The conversation also touched on Sharapova’s past doping scandal. One fan wrote, “if it were Serena that was found to have been doping like Maria, I don’t think she would be accorded the same grace and glory Maria is enjoying right now…”.
However, not everyone shared this outrage. Many applauded Williams for her maturity and kindness. “Oh wow this is beautiful ??? you’re such a lovely and gracious woman but this we knew!” a fan commented.
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