Roger Federer sheds tears at Hall of Fame ceremony after wholesome gesture to wife
Roger Federer sheds tears at Hall of Fame ceremony after wholesome gesture to wife
Joseph McBrideSun, August 30, 2026 at 1:10 AM UTC
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Roger Federer shed tears throughout his Hall of Fame induction speech -Credit:Joseph Prezioso / AFP via Getty Images
Tennis icon Roger Federer delivered on his promise to shed happy tears after being inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame and showed his class by choosing his wife to introduce him.
Federer, 45, was inducted into the Hall of Fame on Saturday night after retiring from tennis in 2022. While he has competed in exhibition events since, US tennis star Frances Tiafoe joked that the Swiss legend can no longer move after reflecting on his latest performance.
The 20-time Grand Slam champion received touching messages from fellow tennis stars, including longtime rival Novak Djokovic, who will compete at the US Open this year. Federer delivered a classy speech at his induction and couldn't hide his emotions.
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It was a family affair for Federer at his Hall of Fame induction, with parents Lynette and Robert in attendance for his special moment. His wife, Mirka, was also at the ceremony and had an important role as she was selected to introduce him.
Mirka Federer delivered a powerful speech, with her husband shedding tears from his seat. "The trophies and the records are extraordinary, but that's only part of his legacy," she said. "What makes me prouder is who he is when no one is watching."
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She concluded the speech by saying, "Tonight, it’s my honor to introduce my husband, my best friend, and now the newest member of the International Tennis Hall of Fame."
Mirka Federer introduced her husband during a wholesome moment -Credit:Joseph Prezioso / AFP via Getty Images
In classic Federer fashion, he oozed class when stepping behind the podium. "She’s been good at speaking in public. I didn’t know that... The last time I’d heard her speak in public was at the Hopman Cup in 2000," he said.
Federer then shared some humorous statistics while reflecting on his career. "I've worn more than 5,000 sweatbands, more than McEnroe ever did," he said.
"I've also worn 7,000 socks, more than anyone else, because I wore two. Once I even put on three."
Former US tennis player and commentator Mary Carillo was also honored -Credit:Joseph Prezioso / AFP via Getty Images
However, Federer delivered his speech through tears and was evidently emotional when discussing his coaches over the years. "In my Hall of Fame, there's Pierre Paganini and all my coaches, even those who are no longer with us," he said.
"I was lucky to be accompanied by a childhood idol of mine, like Edberg. I thank Ljubicic for the impact he had on my career."
Among the touching messages sent to Federer, Djokovic congratulated the tennis legend on a decorated career. "Roger, congratulations for your [induction] to the Hall of Fame," Djokovic said in a tribute video. "We all knew this day was going to come sooner or later, and I don’t think anybody deserves this more than you.
"What you have achieved, what you represented and still represent for the sport of tennis and sport in general is something truly incredible and remarkable. Thank you for being such a great ambassador for our sport. Hopefully you will have an amazing day with your family, celebrating your amazing career."
Source: “AOL Entertainment”
