In Hall of Fame Induction Speech, Roger Federer Reflects: ‘I Had a Lot of Incredible Role Models’

Roger Federer was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame on Saturday in Newport, Rhode Island, and gave an emotional speech during the celebration.

“This is one of the greatest honors of my life. They call this the Hall of Fame, but fame was never the goal. My goal was to spend my life doing something I love … with people who love it as much as I do,” the 20-time Grand Slam champion said.

Federer, in front of family, coaches, and rivals, reflected on his upbringing and career. 

He spoke about when he first picked up a racket at age 3, and using chalk to draw a court with his friends.

“That ball kid had a lot to learn—skills and shots, stamina and strategy,” Federer said, referring to himself. “Also, that kid had to learn to not throw his racket so much. Ideally not at all. Not to let his emotions get the best of him … and thankfully, I had a lot of incredible role models.”

Federer, 45, was brought to tears while speaking about some of his coaches, including the late Peter Carter and Peter Lundgren—who he said helped him grow up while on the road for tournaments—and his longest tenured coach, Severin Luthi.

Federer also spoke extensively about his love for the sport, the relationships he’d built over the years with coaches and fellow players, and his wishes for the future of tennis.

“The sport keeps evolving, and as the pace of professional tennis speeds up, as the sport becomes even more global, I so hope it will keep some of that amateur spirit. Keep the camaraderie among the players,” he said.

The Swiss star has set numerous records since he joined the ATP tour in 1998, including eight Wimbledon titles, 237 consecutive weeks at No. 1, and becoming the first man to win 20 Grand Slams in 2018.

Federer’s dominance in the 2000s brought the sport to new heights in popularity, and his rivalries with Spain’s Rafael Nadal and Serbia’s Novak Djokovic formed the “Big 3.”

Federer retired in 2022 at the Laver Cup in London after a doubles match alongside Nadal but has stayed close to the sport by attending matches and through commentary.

Last week, he returned to play a U.S. Open exhibition match against one of his early rivals, Andy Roddick, for fun, beating the American 6–3 in the one-set match. 

Federer, who last competed at the U.S. Open in 2019, won five consecutive titles from 2004 to 2008. No male player has repeated titles since.

The tournament started its main draw on Saturday and will run until Sept. 13.