SERENA WILLIAMS had a touching moment with arch rival Maria Sharapova as she inducted her into the tennis Hall of Fame.
The two tennis icons battled on the court for much of their careers and were recognised as two of the best in their time.
GettySerena Williams inducted Maria Sharapova into the tennis Hall of Fame[/caption]
GettyThe pair enjoyed a touching moment at the ceremony in Rhode Island[/caption]
GettyThey shared a hug on the stage[/caption]
GettyWilliams and Sharapova sat with each other during the ceremony[/caption]
Sharapova, 38, has now been inducted into the Hall of Fame in a ceremony in Newport, Rhode Island, USA.
During her career, she became just one of 12 players to win a singles grand slam in the Open era.
This includes her famous Wimbledon victory in 2004 when she beat Williams in the final 6-1 6-4.
Sharapova has now been handed the honour of being named alongside the legends of the sport.
It happened in a ceremony as American doubles stars Mike and Bob Bryan were also inducted.
In a touching moment, it was Sharapova’s long-time arch rival Williams, 43, who made the announcement with a touching speech.
She said: “I know I’m probably the last person you would be expecting to see here tonight.
“Honestly, a few years ago I would have said the same thing.
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“A few months Maria texted me … and asked if I would introduce her into the Hall of Fame.
“Before she even finished her question, I said yes immediately, because it’s Maria. I was honoured.
“Now let’s be real. Maria and I were once the fiercest of rivals. We had our differences.
“To the world, we looked miles and miles apart. But the truth is we weren’t.
“We wanted the exact same thing at the exact same time — to be the very best.
“In our sport only one person can walk away with the trophy, and what’s wrong with wanting to be your best?
PA:Press AssociationSharapova and Williams were rivals during their playing careers[/caption]
Getty Images – GettySharapova beat Williams in the 2004 Wimbledon final[/caption]
“Nothing. In fact it’s what drove us. That’s what made our rivalry so electric and so iconic.
“There are only a few players who challenged me to be the very best every single time we stepped out on the court. Maria Sharapova was one of them.
“Whenever I saw her name next to mine in the draw I made sure I practised harder.
“I showed up with my A-game every time because whatever her weakness were in the previous game it would be her strength next time.
Now let’s be real. Maria and I were once the fiercest of rivals. We had our differences.
Serena Williams
“She showed us all how to take excellence on the court and turn it into excellence in business, and fashion, branding and everything that she touched.”
The pair could be seen sharing a warm hug with each other after Sharapova clapped Williams onto the stage.
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