‘Still writing my love letter to tennis’: Emotional Federer on Hall of Fame induction

Roger Federer was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in Newport, Rhode Island, on Sunday. His speech was emotional, as he emphasized that his legacy extends beyond his impressive titles, records, and elegant playing style. Instead, what truly makes him proud is the kind of person he is when no one is watching. Mirka Federer, his wife, summed up the sentiment best, praising Roger not only for his remarkable achievements on the court, but also for his role as a devoted father, kind husband, loving son, and ever-present friend.

During his 28-minute address, Federer took his audience on a nostalgic journey, starting from his days as a 13-year-old ballboy to his 103 ATP titles. He paid tribute to the various people who played a part in his career, including his friends, adversaries, and mentors. He also highlighted the role of the broader tennis community, thanking ballboys who supported him during matches, as well as coaches, court staff, linespeople, and young players who got a chance to be ball kids.

Federer reiterated that tennis is never just about the players themselves, but also the people who support them. He spoke about his childhood hero Stefan Edberg, who inspired him during his early years on the tour. He choked up again when talking about his longtime coach Severin Luthi. Amidst the emotional moments, Federer kept his sense of humor intact, joking about the numerous headbands and socks he wore throughout his career, totaling over 5,000 headbands and over 7,000 pairs of socks.

In the end, Federer expressed his gratitude for the privilege of playing tennis and being part of the sport's rich history. He emphasized that tennis has been responsible for so much in his life, including his family, friendships, past 40 years, and the future he is building. "Tennis for me is responsible for it all," he concluded.