Roger Federer Brought to Tears During International Tennis Hall of Fame Induction/ TezzBuzz/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Roger Federer was repeatedly brought to tears Saturday as the 20-time Grand Slam champion was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in Newport, Rhode Island. The 45-year-old Swiss legend became the 272nd Hall of Famer and delivered an emotional speech honoring his wife Mirka, longtime coach Severin Luthi and childhood hero Stefan Edberg. Federer, an eight-time Wimbledon champion and former world No. 1, was inducted alongside broadcaster and former player Mary Carillo.
Quick Look
- Roger Federer was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in Newport, Rhode Island.
- The 45-year-old became the 272nd member of the Hall of Fame.
- Federer was introduced by his wife, Mirka, whom he hugged and kissed before beginning his speech.
- The 20-time Grand Slam champion became emotional several times during his nearly 30-minute address.
- Federer cried while discussing childhood hero Stefan Edberg and longtime coach Severin Luthi.
- He became especially emotional while thanking Mirka for her support throughout his career.
- Federer spent a record 237 consecutive weeks as the world’s No. 1 player.
- He won eight Wimbledon titles, six Australian Opens and the 2009 French Open.
- Federer also captured five consecutive U.S. Open championships from 2004 through 2008.
- He is one of eight men to have completed a career Grand Slam.
- Mary Carillo was inducted as a contributor alongside Federer.
- Hall of Famer Billie Jean King presented Carillo during the ceremony.
Roger Federer Enters Tennis Hall of Fame
NEWPORT, R.I. — Roger Federer was brought to tears several times Saturday during an emotional induction into the International Tennis Hall of Fame, celebrating a career that established him as one of the greatest players in tennis history.
The ceremony took place as the sun set over Newport’s grass horseshoe court, where the 45-year-old Federer walked onto the stage wearing a tan suit.
His wife, Mirka, introduced him before Federer kissed and hugged her and prepared to deliver his induction speech.
“Oh man,” Federer said as he began. “This is very high level and a tough act to follow.”
Federer then joked with his wife, saying, “I don’t know if you have been practicing secretly.”
The Swiss star became the 272nd person inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame.
Federer Struggles to Hold Back Tears
Federer, known throughout his career as the “Swiss Maestro,” admitted during the Hall’s first red-carpet event that he “was a little stressed to be honest.”
His emotions became increasingly apparent during his nearly 30-minute induction speech.
About halfway through, Federer became emotional while talking about his childhood hero, Stefan Edberg.
He described them as “happy tears.”
Federer was overcome again when discussing his longtime coach Severin Luthi, who played an important role throughout his remarkable career.
But some of the ceremony’s most emotional moments came when Federer turned his attention to Mirka.
Federer Breaks Down While Thanking Mirka
“Now the Mirka part,” Federer said before pausing and breaking into tears.
“Oh gosh, this such a mess.”
Federer attempted to lighten the moment with humor as he struggled to continue.
“I need tissues and sunglasses, everything to protect me right now,” he told the crowd.
Mirka played a central role throughout Federer’s career, accompanying him through his rise from a talented young Swiss player to one of the most recognizable athletes in the world.
Her introduction and Federer’s emotional tribute became defining moments of his Hall of Fame ceremony.
A Career Defined by Grand Slam Records
Federer retired with 20 Grand Slam singles championships after becoming the first man in tennis history to reach that milestone.
His achievements included eight Wimbledon championships, six Australian Open titles, five consecutive U.S. Open victories and one French Open championship.
His victory at Roland Garros in 2009 completed his career Grand Slam.
Federer is one of only eight men to have won all four major singles tournaments during their careers.
He also reached 10 consecutive Grand Slam finals during one extraordinary stretch, winning eight of them.
Federer Spent Record 237 Consecutive Weeks at No. 1
Federer’s elegant movement, aggressive approach to the net and signature one-handed backhand helped define his playing style.
His dominance also produced one of tennis’ most remarkable ranking records.
Federer spent 237 consecutive weeks as the world’s No. 1 player, a record run atop the ATP rankings.
He also dominated the U.S. Open during the height of his career, winning five consecutive titles from 2004 through 2008.
Federer celebrated his 45th birthday three weeks before his Hall of Fame induction.
Federer Celebrates Tennis History in Newport
Despite the emotions of the ceremony, Federer concluded his speech by recognizing others who helped make professional tennis possible, including ball boys.
He also encouraged current and future players to continue pushing the sport to new levels.
“I’m thrilled to have made the journey here,” Federer said. “It’s amazing to see yourself in a place like this. To immerse yourself in the history of the sport means a lot to me.”
The ceremony formally placed Federer among the generations of tennis greats whose careers are commemorated in Newport.
Mary Carillo Inducted Alongside Federer
Federer was not the ceremony’s only inductee.
Mary Carillo, the former professional player who became one of tennis’ best-known broadcasters, was inducted into the Hall of Fame as a contributor.
Carillo, 69, is already a member of the Sports Broadcasting Hall of Fame.
Tennis legend and Hall of Famer Billie Jean King presented Carillo during the ceremony.
“She has earned her spot in sports journalism and she has earned her spot in Newport,” King said.
Carillo also became emotional as she stood before fellow Hall of Famers.
“To walk through these gates here in the company of you people, that was beyond my dreams,” she said.
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