Watch: Roger Federer breaks down; delivers emotional Hall of Fame induction speech

Roger Federer was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame on Saturday evening in an emotional ceremony that brought the Swiss tennis legend to tears multiple times. The 45-year-old, who retired in 2022, delivered a heartfelt half-hour speech without notes after being introduced by his wife, Mirka. The 20-time Grand Slam Champion broke down in tears multiple times during the heartfelt speech as he made the tennis fans miss him even more on the court.

Watch: Roger Federer breaks down; delivers emotional Hall of Fame induction speech

Federer was inducted alongside broadcaster and journalist Mary Carillo. The tennis legend told the crowd at the historic Newport venue:

“This is one of the greatest honours of my life.”

The Hall of Famer added that the fame was never his goal but to do something that he loves and with the people who love it as much as he does. The speech mixed humour and deep reflection. Federer joked about wearing more than 5,000 headbands during his career and often doubling up on socks. He recalled his days as a 13-year-old ball boy in Basel, Switzerland, and paid tribute to coaches, rivals, fans and family.

Moments of gratitude, particularly towards Mirka, whom he described as the person with whom he “grabbed hands and ran through walls,” left him visibly overcome. Federer stated that he is still writing “love letter to tennis”

Federer won a record eight Wimbledon titles, spent 310 weeks as world No. 1 and claimed 103 ATP titles. His induction marks formal recognition of a career defined as much by elegance and sportsmanship as by silverware.

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