Serena Williams and Maria Sharapova reunited on Saturday evening (August 23) for a significant profession milestone.

The 42-year-old tennis legend shocked followers when she walked on stage on the Worldwide Tennis Corridor of Fame in Newport, Rhode Island to induct Maria into the Class of 2025.

“There are only some gamers in my profession who challenged me to be the easiest, each single time we stepped out on the courtroom. Maria Sharapova was certainly one of them,” Serena instructed the group, by way of The Guardian. “Every time I noticed her identify subsequent to mine within the draw, I made positive I practiced tougher.”

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The 38-year-old tennis participant responded in her personal speech, calling their rivalry “a present.”

“It’s a present to have somebody who motivates you to succeed in these heights. And I’ll ceaselessly be pleased about bringing out the very best in me,” she stated.

The Russian star, who turned the primary girl from her nation to succeed in No. 1 on the earth rankings and is certainly one of solely 10 girls to finish the profession Grand Slam, seemed again on her profession with gratitude.

“In giving my life to tennis, tennis gave me a life,” she stated. “And what a exceptional, exceptional life.”

Later, Serena shared her private reflections on Instagram, writing out a heartfelt caption in regards to the second:

“Final night- I flew to Rhode Island for Maria Sharapova. Maria’s profession as her dad put it yesterday- began with me and final evening ended with me inducting her into the tennis corridor of fame. I’m most likely the final individual you anticipated to see standing right here tonight. Truthfully, a couple of years in the past, I might’ve stated the identical factor. However years after attending to know her better- we now name one another mates. And when a pal calls you reply. That is girls supporting one another and respecting every others greatness. Congratulations @mariasharapova it’s my honor — as her former rival, her ceaselessly fan, and now, her ceaselessly pal — to welcome Maria Sharapova into the Worldwide Tennis Corridor of Fame.”

Serena Williams additionally just lately spoke out about her physique amid hypothesis.