A defining victory over his childhood hero first revealed Federer’s emotional side. Now, with his family nearby, the tennis legend expects another deeply personal moment.
Roger Federer is preparing for strong emotions as he is inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in Newport, Rhode Island. The Swiss tennis player does not rule out shedding tears during the ceremony.
As informed by CNN
In an interview with CNN Sport, Federer recalled his first emotional moment after a major victory. In 2001 at Wimbledon, he defeated his idol Pete Sampras in his debut match on Centre Court.
I fell to my knees, then shook Pete’s hand – he was my hero – and I was overwhelmed with emotion. I thought, “What is happening to me?” I’m not usually like that.
– Roger Federer
From his win over Sampras to the end of his professional career in 2022, Federer went on a journey that made him one of the most successful tennis players in history. His parents, wife, four children, coaches, physiotherapists, and other members of his team will be by his side at the Hall of Fame induction ceremony.
When I talk about tennis and all the gratitude I feel, with my whole family there beside me, it could really affect me deeply. If that happens, it will make it even more memorable for me, but I hope to deliver the speech without too many pauses.
– Roger Federer
Roger Federer: Career Ahead of His Tennis Hall of Fame Induction
Federer rose to world No. 1 in 2004 after winning three of the four Grand Slam singles tournaments. He remained the world’s top-ranked player for 237 consecutive weeks – a record that still stands.
In 2005, the Swiss star won more than 95% of his matches. The following season marked another milestone: in 2006, he claimed 12 titles, including three Grand Slams, and compiled a 92–5 win-loss record, winning 94.8% of his matches.
At Wimbledon in 2009, Federer surpassed Sampras’s record for the most Grand Slam titles. Over the course of his career, he won 20 such singles trophies. Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic later surpassed that total, but for many fans, Federer remains the greatest tennis player of all time.
The tennis player stressed that the smoothness and apparent ease of his game often created a false impression. According to Federer, his technique was backed by enormous physical and mental effort.
It looked like I wasn’t hitting the ball particularly hard, but it came off the racket with great power. People said everything came easily to me, even though there was a huge amount of work and effort behind it. When I lost, they asked why I wasn’t trying harder, and when I won, they were amazed by how easy I made it look.
– Roger Federer
Federer’s Life After Retirement
Since stepping away from professional tennis, Federer has been enjoying a calmer pace of life. He devotes time to his family, charitable work, investments, and business.
The Swiss star also plans to improve his golf game and return to playing the piano, an activity his wife and children enjoy. The upcoming ceremony in Newport will give Federer an opportunity to reflect on his tennis journey with those closest to him.