Overview

• Serena Williams presented longtime rival Maria Sharapova at her Hall of Fame induction, a pairing noted given Williams’ 20–2 head‑to‑head edge.
• Iga Świątek called the ceremony inspiring and Coco Gauff described it as amazing, reflecting broad praise from leading players.
• Aryna Sabalenka said at a US Open news conference that the moment showed opponents can compete fiercely on court and be friends off it.
• Both Sabalenka and Gauff pushed back on comparisons to Williams, stressing they want to be defined by their own careers.
• In separate comments, Sabalenka said she had no idols growing up and hopes instead to inspire the next generation.