An emotional Roger Federer stated he was nonetheless writing his love letter to the game that “meant the world” to him on Saturday (August 29, 2026) because the 20-time Grand Slam champion was inducted into the Worldwide Tennis Corridor of Fame in Newport, Rhode Island.
Federer, who was inducted alongside broadcaster and journalist Mary Carillo, mirrored on his storied profession in a speech that introduced him to tears a couple of instances.
“This is among the best honours of my life,” stated Federer. “They name this the Corridor of Fame, however fame was by no means the aim.
“My aim was to spend my life doing one thing I really like … with individuals who adore it as a lot as I do.”
The Swiss captured a males’s-record eight Wimbledon titles and spent 310 weeks because the world primary. He additionally received six Australian Open crowns, 5 U.S. Open titles and one French Open title.
And he did all of it whereas taking part in with magnificence, a signature headband — apparently carrying greater than 5,000 of them throughout his profession, he quipped in his handle — and virtually all the time two pairs of socks.
“Tennis meant the world to me. Not simply taking part in, not simply profitable, however creating one thing new,” stated Federer, who retired in 2022 with 103 ATP Tour titles.
“It is a mentality I’ve. I used to play serve and volley, I had a transition recreation, I performed manner past the baseline typically, or on prime of the baseline. And I’d even attempt to sneak up on my opponents on my return, and a few name it the SABR (Sneak Assault by Roger) at present.
“That is what was necessary to me on the courtroom, however so a lot of what was actually necessary occurred off the courtroom.”
The 45-year-old bought emotional whereas thanking his coaches, docs and household, together with spouse Mirka, who praised Federer for his character off the courtroom as husband, father and buddy.
As his title entered the Corridor of Fame, Federer stated he was proud that Switzerland was coming with him, recalling how he beloved watching tennis as a 13-year-old ball boy in Basel.
“I am nonetheless writing my love letter to tennis, and my time as a participant is completed, however tennis will all the time stand on the intersection of every thing I care most about,” he stated.
“My household, our friendships, the previous 40 years, the long run we’re constructing — tennis, for me, is chargeable for all of it. So this isn’t a goodbye.”
The Swiss stated he was “extremely fortunate” to have performed with totally different generations of tennis gamers, from Andre Agassi and Lleyton Hewitt to Andy Roddick, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic.
However he added that his induction was not solely a chance to look again on his profession, but in addition forward to the way forward for the sport.
“All of us depart the courtroom finally, however the sport retains evolving,” stated Federer. “And because the tempo {of professional} tennis hastens, as the game turns into much more international, I so hope it’ll maintain a few of that novice spirit. Hold the camaraderie among the many gamers.
“I hope the gamers will keep younger at coronary heart and keep true to their genuine selves, and all the time keep in mind, by no means cease asking questions or taking dangers.
“Do issues with the sport, we have by no means seen earlier than. Hold pushing this sport we like to the following degree and maintain getting higher, higher, and higher.”
Printed – August 30, 2026 09:16 am IST
