Roger Federer Enters Tennis Hall of Fame in Tears
- By Thetripurapost Desk, Newport
- Aug 30, 2026
- 156
Roger Federer has added another prestigious achievement to his extraordinary tennis career after being inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame at a ceremony in Newport, Rhode Island.
The Swiss tennis great was overcome with emotion several times while delivering his induction address on Saturday. Rather than focusing heavily on his remarkable collection of titles, Federer used the occasion to acknowledge the family members, coaches, fellow players, officials, fans and others who helped shape his career.
The 45-year-old Federer, who retired from professional tennis in 2022, described the Hall of Fame recognition as one of the biggest honours of his life. He explained that becoming famous was never his primary motivation; his ambition was to dedicate his life to a sport he loved alongside people who shared that passion.
Federer recalls unusual career statistics
Federer entertained the audience by revealing some unusual numbers from his playing career.
He said he went through more than 5,000 headbands during his time on the ATP Tour, from his debut in 1998 until his retirement in 2022. He also estimated that he used more than 7,000 pairs of socks, explaining that he generally wore two pairs during matches.
The statistics offered a lighter side to a career otherwise defined by major championships and records.
Federer finished his professional career with 20 Grand Slam singles titles and 103 ATP Tour titles, while spending 310 weeks at No. 1 in the world rankings. His Grand Slam haul included eight Wimbledon championships, six Australian Open titles, five US Open crowns and one French Open triumph.
From Basel ball boy to tennis icon
Federer also looked back at the earliest stages of his relationship with tennis.
He recalled being a 13-year-old ball boy at an ATP tournament in Basel, long before he became one of the most successful players in the history of the sport.
During the ceremony, he specifically thanked ball kids who had spent hours working around tennis courts during his matches. Federer said he understood their experience because he had once been in exactly the same position.
Federer becomes emotional while thanking family and supporters
The Hall of Fame speech became particularly emotional when Federer began acknowledging the people closest to him.
He paid tribute to his childhood idol Stefan Edberg, fellow tennis stars, coaches, medical staff, friends and family members who supported him throughout his career.
At one point, Federer joked that he needed tissues and sunglasses because he was struggling to control his emotions. His wife, Mirka Federer, also played a prominent role in the ceremony, introducing him before his speech.
‘Tennis will always be important to me’
Although Federer has been retired from professional competition since 2022, he made it clear that his connection with tennis has not ended.
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He described the sport as central to his family life, friendships, memories and future plans. His induction speech served as a reflection on what tennis has given him both on and off the court.
Federer also emphasized that his relationship with the sport extends beyond winning championships. His playing career may be finished, but his affection for tennis remains strong.
Federer’s final US Open appearance came in 2019
Federer's last appearance at the US Open came in 2019. He reached the quarterfinal stage before losing to Bulgaria's Grigor Dimitrov.
He did not return to the New York Grand Slam in 2020. His final Grand Slam appearance came at Wimbledon in 2021, before he officially ended his professional career the following year.
Five consecutive US Open championships
Federer's record at the US Open remains one of the defining achievements of his career.
He captured the men's singles championship five consecutive times from 2004 through 2008. That run made him the only male player during the Open Era to win five straight US Open singles titles.Federer's latest honour at the International Tennis Hall of Fame adds another milestone to a career that already includes 20 Grand Slam championships, 103 ATP Tour titles and decades of influence on global tennis. The official Hall of Fame lists Federer among its Class of 2026, inducted alongside broadcaster and journalist Mary Carillo.
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