Roger Federer was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame during a ceremony held over the weekend in Newport, Rhode Island, where the 45-year-old Swiss tennis icon delivered an emotional speech that brought him to tears several times. The formal event recognized Federer’s remarkable career, highlighting his status as a 20-time Grand Slam singles champion and a transformative figure in the sport.

Federer, who retired from professional tennis in 2022, appeared visibly moved as he addressed an audience that included fellow tennis greats, officials, family, and fans. The induction ceremony followed a red-carpet event on Centre Court attended by former players and prominent figures from the tennis world. Federer’s wife, Mirka, introduced him, recounting their early relationship with touching and humorous anecdotes. She described how she used to warm Federer up before matches early in his career, and shared lighthearted memories including a playful remark involving fellow tennis player Andy Roddick.

In his speech, Federer acknowledged the many individuals who contributed to his success, including his childhood idol Stefan Edberg and long-time coach Severin Luthi. He thanked rivals, officials, and supporters alike, emphasizing that fame was never his primary goal. "My goal was to spend my life doing something I love... with people who love it as much as I do," he said.

Federer’s reflections combined heartfelt appreciation with moments of levity, including self-deprecating remarks about his lesser-known career statistics. He joked about the large number of headbands and pairs of socks he wore throughout his professional tenure, highlighting the lighter side of his storied journey in tennis.

The ceremony also honored broadcaster and former player Mary Carillo, who was inducted alongside Federer and introduced by Hall of Famer Billie Jean King.

Throughout his nearly 30-minute address, Federer struggled to contain his emotions, appearing touched by the significance of the honor and the presence of those who had been part of his life and career. His remarks conveyed a mixture of gratitude and nostalgia as he reflected on his years in the sport and the people who supported him along the way.

The International Tennis Hall of Fame induction marks another milestone in Federer’s legacy, commemorating not just his record-breaking achievements on court but also his enduring impact on tennis and sportsmanship.