Roger Federer’s emotional farewell at Hall of Fame induction

Tennis icon Roger Federer reflects on his storied career with heartfelt gratitude.

Told by Paige Turner · 30 August 2026

Roger Federer brought the house down at his induction into the International Tennis Hall of Fame, tearing up several times as he reflected on his love for tennis. The Swiss maestro, a 20-time Grand Slam champion, made it clear this is not a goodbye but rather a continuation of his love letter to the sport that has defined his life.

Introduced by his wife Mirka, Federer’s speech was a rollercoaster of emotions. He touched on pivotal moments in his life, like the influence of childhood hero Stefan Edberg and the support of his longtime coach Severin Luthi. As he thanked Mirka, tears flowed freely, revealing the depth of his sentiment: "Oh gosh, this is such a mess," he quipped as he struggled to regain composure.

Federer, who retired in 2022, shared his pride in representing Switzerland on such a grand stage. He reminisced about his beginnings as a ball boy in Basel and expressed hope for the future of tennis, urging emerging players to maintain the sport’s amateur spirit and camaraderie.

"I’m still writing my love letter to tennis," he stated, as he looked forward to how the game continues to evolve. For Federer, the essence of tennis transcends mere competition—it’s about the connections and experiences forged throughout his career. His heartfelt remarks resonate deeply, reminding us that while he may have stepped off the court, his bond with the game is everlasting.