When will Serena Williams join Maria Sharapova in the International Tennis Hall of Fame

Former World No.1 Maria Sharapova was recently inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame, which has prompted several fans to wonder when WTA legend Serena Williams will be voted in, considering both athletes are now retired.

Sharapova was announced as one of the inductees into the International Tennis Hall of Fame class of 2025 alongside the Bryan brothers, the most successful men's doubles team in tennis history. Sharapova thrived during her time on the WTA Tour, winning five Grand Slam singles titles and claiming the coveted World No.1 position.

Although Williams is viewed as the greatest female player of all time, eligibility criteria prevents her from being inducted into next year's Hall of Fame class. One criterion that players must meet is there should be a five-year period after the player has officially retired.

"Not [have been] a significant factor on the ATP Tour or the WTA within five calendar years prior to election (Example: If a player retires anytime in 2020, then the player is eligible for induction in 2025)," reads one of the official stipulations.

Williams retired in 2022, therefore she is ineligible to be considered for Hall of Fame induction until 2027. However, Sharapova hung up her racket in 2020, which allows her to meet the five-year criteria of eligibility period to be inducted next year.