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Newport, Rhode Island (August 30, 2026) – An emotional Roger Federer delivered a heartfelt speech upon his induction into the International Tennis Hall of Fame, in Newport, Rhode Island. The 20-time Grand Slam champion, who was also joined by broadcaster and journalist Mary Carillo at the ceremony, shared his love for the sport that has shaped his life.
Federer, who retired from professional tennis in 2022, expressed gratitude for the honor, emphasizing that his goal throughout his career was not to gain fame, but to do something he deeply loved. "This is one of the greatest honours of my life," he said. "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 Swiss legend's career achievements are well-documented, with eight Wimbledon titles, six Australian Open crowns, five US Open titles, and one French Open title to his name. His total of 103 ATP Tour titles places him among the sport's all-time greats.
In his speech, Federer reflected on the unique aspects of his game, which included a serve and volley style, a transition game, and a willingness to push the boundaries of traditional tennis tactics. "This is what was important to me on the court, but so much of what was really important happened off the court," he said, acknowledging the impact his character had on and off the tennis court.
The 45-year-old, who received a standing ovation from the crowd, became visibly emotional while thanking his coaches, doctors, and family, including his wife, Mirka, who praised him for his character as a husband, father, and friend. His induction into the Hall of Fame was a proud moment for Switzerland, he said, recalling his first exposure to the sport as a 13-year-old ball boy in Basel.
"This is not a goodbye," Federer declared, emphasizing that tennis remains at the intersection of everything he cares about. "My family, our friendships, the past 40 years, the future we're building — tennis, for me, is responsible for it all."
The Swiss star also shared his gratitude for having played with different generations of tennis players, from Andre Agassi and Lleyton Hewitt to Andy Roddick, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic. He expressed hope for the future of the sport, advocating for the maintenance of an amateur spirit, camaraderie among players, and the continuation of risk-taking and innovation.
Djokovic, a long-time rival and friend, congratulated Federer on his milestone, calling him a "great ambassador for our sport." In a video message, the Serbian tennis star praised Federer for his incredible achievements and representation of tennis and sport in general.
Federer's induction into the Hall of Fame capped a memorable week for him, as he returned to the US Open for a prime-time exhibition match against Andy Roddick. Arthur Ashe Stadium was packed with fans, many wearing hats featuring the iconic "RF" logo that became synonymous with Federer's era of dominance in the sport.
The Swiss legend, who last competed at the US Open in 2019, reminisced about his early visits to the tournament, from his junior debut to his first appearance on center court. "It's great to be back in New York," he said. "I have incredible memories, obviously, of this court, of the fans here, of the city."
Federer's induction into the Tennis Hall of Fame will be remembered as a celebration of his remarkable career and his enduring love for the sport. As he wrote his final chapter as a player, the Swiss star left an indelible mark on the game and inspired a new generation of tennis players to pursue their dreams.
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