Tennis Hall of Fame welcomes 20-time Grand Slam champion Federer

Roger Federer, the 20-time Grand Slam champion, was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in Newport, Rhode Island, on Saturday. The ceremony marked a milestone in the Swiss star’s legendary career, which spanned over two decades and included a record eight Wimbledon titles, six Australian Open victories, five U.S. Open wins, and one French Open triumph. Federer, who retired from professional tennis in 2022 with 103 ATP Tour titles, spoke emotionally about his journey and expressed deep gratitude for the support he received throughout his career. Federer joined broadcaster and journalist Mary Carillo in the induction class. During his speech, he reflected on his storied career, often bringing himself to tears. “This is one of the greatest honors of my life,” he said. “They call this the Hall of Fame, but fame was never the goal. My goal was to spend my life doing something I love, with people who love it as much as I do.” The 41-year-old athlete highlighted the significance of tennis in his life, describing it as something far greater than mere competition. “Tennis meant the world to me. Not just playing, not just winning, but creating something new,” he said. He recalled his early days as a 13-year-old ball boy in Basel, Switzerland, and how that experience shaped his passion for the sport. Federer also took the opportunity to thank his coaches, doctors, and family, particularly his wife, Mirka. His emotional tribute included acknowledging the role of those who supported him through the highs and lows of his career. He mentioned his unique playing style, including his signature headband, quipping that he wore more than 5,000 during his career, and his habit of wearing two pairs of socks. He described his varied approach to the game, from serving and volleying to playing beyond the baseline, and even attempting to surprise opponents with his returns, a technique later dubbed the “SABR” (Sneak Attack by Roger). He emphasized that much of what made his career meaningful occurred outside the lines of the court. “So much of what was really important happened off the court,” he said. Federer also expressed pride in representing Switzerland, noting that his induction into the Hall of Fame coincided with his homeland’s presence alongside him. In addition to reflecting on his past, Federer looked forward to the future of the sport. He acknowledged that while players eventually leave the court, the game continues to evolve. “As the pace of professional tennis speeds up, as the sport becomes even more global, I so hope it will keep some of that amateur spirit and the camaraderie among the players,” he said. He urged fellow athletes to remain youthful in spirit and true to themselves, encouraging them to continue innovating and pushing the boundaries of the game. Federer concluded his remarks by reaffirming his commitment to tennis, stating that it remains central to his life and values. “My family, our friendships, the past 40 years, the future we're building, tennis, for me, is responsible for it all,” he said. “So this is not a goodbye.”