From the beginning of her Hall of Fame-worthy career, Maria Sharapova has been linked with Serena Williams.
Their bond has endured—all the way to Sharapova’s induction in Newport, Rhode Island.
"I know I'm probably the last person you would be expecting to see here tonight," Williams said after thundering applause, "but honestly, a few years ago, I probably would have said the same thing."
On Saturday evening, Williams unexpectedly introduced Sharapova before the five-time Grand Slam champion’s acceptance speech at the International Tennis Hall of Fame.
How did it happen? Let Serena explain it all:
A few months ago, Maria texted me that she needed to talk ... when I called her, she asked if I would introduce her into the Hall of Fame. Before she could even finish her question, I said yes—loud, immediately, with my whole chest. Because, of course, it's Maria.
The first of those five Slam victories came at Williams’ expense: a 6-1, 6-4 result on Wimbledon’s Centre Court that announced Sharapova to the world at large.