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Roger Federer Says He ‘Had the Best Time’ as Hall of Fame Honor Arrives

Sandy Verma | August 29, 2026 4:24 AM CST

Roger Federer Says He ‘Had the Best Time’ as Hall of Fame Honor Arrives/ TezzBuzz/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Roger Federer will be inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame on Saturday in Newport, Rhode Island. The 20-time Grand Slam champion said he now understands that his legacy extends beyond victories to his conduct, friendships and relationship with fans. Federer finished his career with 1,251 match victories, 103 tournament titles and nearly $130.6 million in prize money.

FILE – Roger Federer, of Switzerland, clenches his fist after wining a point against Feliciano Lopez, of Spain, during the U.S. Open tennis tournament in New York, Sept. 2, 2017. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)

Quick Look

Roger Federer will enter the International Tennis Hall of Fame at age 45.
The ceremony will mark Federer’s first visit to Newport, Rhode Island.
Broadcaster and former player Mary Carillo will also be honored.
Federer won 20 Grand Slam singles titles and 103 tournaments.
He captured five consecutive U.S. Open championships from 2004 through 2008.
Federer received the ATP fan favorite award every year from 2003 through 2021.
He said retirement helped him appreciate how his personality shaped his legacy.
Federer remains connected to tennis by attending tournaments and playing with his children.

FILE – Roger Federer of Switzerland, kisses the winners’ trophy after defeating Andy Roddick 6-2, 7-6 (2), 6-4 in the Mens’ Singles Final on Centre Court at Wimbledon Sunday, July 3, 2005. Federer announced Thursday, Sept.15, 2022 he is retiring from tennis. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant, File)

Deep Look

Federer prepares for Hall of Fame induction

Roger Federer will reflect on one of tennis’ most celebrated careers Saturday when he is enshrined in the International Tennis Hall of Fame in Newport, Rhode Island.

The 45-year-old Swiss champion will be honored alongside broadcaster and former player Mary Carillo. Despite traveling around the world throughout his career, Federer said the ceremony will mark his first visit to Newport.

Federer’s achievements would be sufficient to secure his place in tennis history. But after retiring, he came to understand that his influence extended beyond forehands, backhands, victories and championships.

A career defined by travel and relationships

Federer said he enjoyed the broader experience of professional tennis, including traveling to tournaments, meeting people and developing friendships with players, organizers and fans.

His career took him to the sport’s most prominent destinations, including New York, London and Paris. It also brought him to exhibition matches in cities outside the regular Grand Slam circuit.

An exhibition against Rafael Nadal in Cape Town, South Africa, drew nearly 52,000 spectators. Another against Alexander Zverev in Mexico City attracted more than 42,000.

Those appearances came near the end of Federer’s career, when health problems forced him to reduce his schedule. Federer found those limitations difficult because he enjoyed visiting tournaments of all sizes.

Fans welcome Federer back to the U.S. Open

Federer’s enduring popularity was evident when he returned to the U.S. Open for an exhibition this week.

It was his first time playing at Flushing Meadows since 2019. Long lines formed outside Arthur Ashe Stadium before the exhibition, resembling the crowds normally seen during the tournament’s decisive second week.

Federer won five consecutive U.S. Open singles titles from 2004 through 2008. During his dominant years from 2004 through 2006, he compiled a 247-15 match record.

He also reached a record 10 consecutive Grand Slam finals from 2005 through 2007, winning eight of them.

Federer’s historic career in numbers

Federer finished his career with 1,251 match victories and 103 tournament championships, including 20 Grand Slam singles titles.

His elegant and creative playing style helped distinguish him from earlier champions. He competed with flair while generally avoiding the angry outbursts associated with some of the sport’s other prominent figures.

Federer received the ATP Tour’s sportsmanship award every year from 2004 through 2009 and again from 2011 through 2017. Fans voted him their favorite player every year from 2003 through 2021.

He earned nearly $130.6 million in prize money during his career.

Tennis remains part of Federer’s life

Federer continues to play occasionally with his children. He and his wife, Mirka, have two sets of twins.

He also tries to attend several tennis events each year, allowing him to remain connected to the sport that shaped his life.