Roger Federer brought to tears during his induction into International Tennis Hall of Fame

Newport, Rhode Island (AP) — Roger Federer was visibly moved multiple times while delivering his induction speech at the International Tennis Hall of Fame on Saturday. The 45-year-old tennis legend, dressed in a tan suit, walked to the stage with his wife Mirka, who had introduced him, and acknowledged the daunting task ahead. "Oh man," were the first words from the first player to reach 20 Grand Slam singles titles.

He jokingly quipped, "I don’t know if you have been practicing secretly" before complimenting his wife's introduction of the 274th Hall of Famer. Federer, dubbed the "Swiss Mistro" by the Hall, was inducted alongside Mary Carillo, a broadcaster and former player, who was honored by tennis legend Billy Jean King. The Swiss maestro, who was praised for his fluid movement and powerful one-handed backhand, admitted to feeling stressed prior to his nearly 30-minute address.

Halfway through his speech, he choked up, recalling his childhood hero Stefan Edberg as "happy tears." He was brought to tears again while speaking about his long-time coach Severin Luthi, and once more when he thanked his wife Mirka for her support throughout his career. "Now the Mirka part," he said, pausing before breaking down in tears.

Despite the emotional outpouring, Federer managed to joke and assure the audience that he needed tissues and sunglasses to cope. Closing his powerful speech, he expressed gratitude to the ball boys and encouraged fellow players to continue pushing the boundaries of the sport. Federer, who turned 45 three weeks ago, has won eight Wimbledon titles and is one of only eight men to achieve a career Grand Slam.

He has claimed six Australian Opens and the 2009 French Open. "I’m thrilled to have made the journey here," he said. "It’s amazing to see yourself in a place like this. To immerse yourself in the history of the sport means a lot to me." Carillo, who was inducted as a contributor, received praise from Hall of Famer Billy Jean King, who noted that she has earned her place in sports journalism and Newport.