Maria Sharapova, a five-time Grand Slam winner, has said she could not have achieved what she did without his support
Former Russian tennis star Maria Sharapova was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame on Saturday, moving her father to tears with heartfelt thanks and playful jabs in her speech. The five-time Grand Slam champion said she owed her career to his unwavering support.
Sharapova, who has lived in the US since the age of seven but has refused to renounce her Russian citizenship, turned pro on her 14th birthday and won Wimbledon at 17, becoming the first Russian to claim the title. She retired in 2020 with 36 Women’s Tennis Association titles and over $28 million in prize money. Forbes named her the highest-paid female athlete for 11 consecutive years starting in 2001.
Sharapova opened her induction speech with a nod to long-time competitor Serena Williams, who introduced her as a “former rival, former fan and forever friend,” but turned emotional as she addressed her father, Yuri.
“I am such a lucky girl to have navigated this journey under your wings. When no one believed we could, you always did,” she said, bringing her father to tears. “You were tough, and you expected me to raise my standards. But along the way, you never forgot your most important role: to be my father.”
Reflecting on her journey, Sharapova said her success came from “embracing the struggles and leaning into the hard stuff.” She advised young athletes to “compete fiercely” and “set goals that intimidate you.”
Sharapova’s induction came as Western sanctions against Russian athletes remain in place. Since the escalation of the Ukraine conflict in 2022, Russian competitors have been barred from many international events, with organizers citing “solidarity with Ukraine.” While some bodies later eased their bans to allow Russians to compete individually under neutral flags, Moscow has called for all restrictions to be lifted, accusing Western governments of pressuring sports federations and “politicizing” athletics.
