MARIA SHARAPOVA AND BOB & MIKE BRYAN RECEIVE THEIR OFFICIAL ITHF BLAZERS AT FIT FOR FAME
The Class of 2025 was celebrated at the inaugural Fit for Fame dinner on Thursday, August 21 on the hallowed grounds of the International Tennis Hall of Fame.
The evening featured the official Brooks Brothers ITHF blazer presentation of this year’s inductees, Maria Sharapova and Bob & Mike Bryan in front of fellow Hall of Famers, family, and members of the global tennis community. In addition to the presentation of the blazers, the event featured an on-stage Q&A moderated by Tennis Channel’s Brett Haber and fireside chat with Hall of Fame Class of 2005’s Jim Courier.
ITHF President and former World No.1 Kim Clijsters presented Sharapova and the Bryan Brothers with their official Brooks Brothers blazers, each custom-lined with designs telling the story of each Hall of Famer’s legendary careers.
Clijsters paid tribute to the inductees’ distinguished accomplishments and formally embraced them as lifelong members of the Hall of Fame family in Newport.
“This one feels really special to me, Maria [Sharapova] to stand here and see you get inducted. We’ve played so many great matches together and I’ve admired everything you’ve done on and off the court,” said Clijsters.
“It is my privilege to present these blazers to you,” remarked Clijsters to the Bryan Brothers. “The two of you have redefined doubles and inspired generations with your energy, teamwork and relentless pursuit of greatness.”
Hall of Famers Stan Smith, Tracy Austin, Arantxa Sánchez Vicario, Chris Evert, Rick Draney, Rosie Casals, Gigi Fernandez, Richard Evans, Courier and Clijsters joined the Class of 2025 on the historic Horseshoe Court during the presentation.
The programming concluded with Maria, Bob and Mike being recognized with special toasts by several of those closest to them, including Maria’s agent Max Eisenbud, Bob and Mike’s coach Mark Bey, Hall of Famers Stan Smith and Chris Evert, and Hall of Fame President Patrick McEnroe.
The event was capped off by a surprise performance from the Bryan Bros Band to conclude a dynamic and historic night at the ITHF.
The celebrations for Sharapova and the Bryan Brothers continue as they prepare to receive the Ultimate Honor in Tennis on Saturday evening. Keep up with Hall of Fame Weekend activities by clicking here. Limited tickets are available for the remaining events of Induction Celebration.
