At the 2026 Time100 Summit in New York City, former tennis champion Maria Sharapova reflected on her enduring relationship with compatriot Serena Williams. In a conversation with journalist Gayle King, Sharapova revealed that she had chosen Williams to introduce her during her induction into the International Tennis Hall of Fame, a moment she described as both significant and personal.
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Sharapova, who is now aged 39, shared that Williams was the “first person that came to mind” when considering who would deliver her introduction at the Hall of Fame. Their relationship has evolved from fierce on-court rivalry to a respected friendship, and Sharapova highlighted the importance of Williams in her tennis journey. “I had some of the toughest moments and some of the biggest victories on the court with Serena,” she remarked. “At the end of the day, we have so much deep respect for each other, and there was no one that I wanted to see other than her up on stage.”
The tennis star recounted the moment she decided to reach out to Williams, indicating that she was initially hesitant about making the call. “I texted her because I didn’t want to call her and she doesn’t pick up,” Sharapova explained. The light-hearted exchange with King included a cheeky comment about having Williams’ contact information. Sharapova detailed how the call ended up being more than just a simple request; the two spent over an hour discussing various personal topics before touching on the Hall of Fame invitation.
Williams’s preparation for the induction was described by Sharapova as meticulous, akin to that of a professional athlete. Williams took the time to interview Sharapova and came equipped with notes for her speech. “Nobody knew—not even my father who was sitting right next to me—before she came on stage,” Sharapova stated, which added to the emotional weight of the occasion.
When commenting on Williams’ speech, Sharapova expressed her deep appreciation for the moment. “She showed up big time and delivered a phenomenal speech,” Sharapova said. “It was really thoughtful that she accepted being there… There’s no one else that I thought of for this occasion.” The induction turned into a heartfelt celebration of their shared history in the sport, underscoring the profound impact their careers have had on each other’s lives.
Reflecting on their friendship, Sharapova noted that it blossomed through a mutual respect for each other’s work ethic and dedication in tennis. She acknowledged the admiration she had for the Williams sisters during her early years as a competitor. “I looked up to [Serena and Venus] so much,” she said, recalling the days when she faced Williams as a teenager in her first Grand Slam final. Sharapova described the induction ceremony as a “full-circle moment,” emblematic of the evolution of their relationship.
Their connection not only highlights the competitive spirit inherent in tennis but also the development of personal bonds that transcend rivalry. Sharapova’s decision to have Williams introduce her is seen as a testament to the support systems that athletes often rely on during pivotal moments in their careers.
Overall, the Time100 Summit conversation poignantly encapsulated the journey of two giants in tennis—rivals turned friends—demonstrating how respect and shared experiences can forge lasting relationships within the demanding world of professional sports.