Maria Sharapova entered the International Tennis Hall of Fame in Newport, Rhode Island, with a surprise introduction from longtime rival Serena Williams. Sharapova, one of only 10 women to complete a career Grand Slam, cited Williams as a catalyst for her own success during a ceremony attended by about 900 guests. Williams, eligible for induction in 2027, called Sharapova "one of the few players who challenged me to be my very best." Sharapova retires with 36 singles titles, a 645-171 record and roughly $39 million in prize money; Williams dominated their rivalry 20-2. Twin brothers Bob and Mike Bryan, whose 16 Grand Slam doubles crowns and 438 weeks atop the rankings make them the most-decorated men’s pair in history, joined Sharapova in the Hall’s Class of 2025. The weekend marked the first induction since the museum’s $3 million renovation and featured an expanded three-day fan festival. Elsewhere in U.S. tennis, 45-year-old Venus Williams confirmed she will play a record-extending 25th US Open after receiving a wildcard. Now ranked No. 610, the seven-time major champion faces 11th seed Karolina Muchova in Monday’s opening round. Her return comes 75 years after Althea Gibson broke the tournament’s color barrier in 1950, a milestone Williams said deserves greater recognition. The New York major, which begins Sunday, also features several broader storylines: world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka seeks her first Grand Slam title of the season; Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner resume their duel for the men’s top ranking; and teenagers Mirra Andreeva, Vicky Mboko, João Fonseca and Learner Tien headline an emerging youth wave. Tournament organizers confirmed five Canadians will appear in the singles main draw.