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Newport, Aug 29:

Roger Federer is set to receive one of tennis’ highest honours when the Swiss great is inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame, giving one of the sport’s most decorated careers a formal place in history.

Federer, a 20-time Grand Slam champion, will be inducted in Newport alongside journalist and former tennis player Mary Carillo as part of the Hall of Fame’s Class of 2026.

Reflecting on his career ahead of the induction, Federer said he had enjoyed his time on the professional circuit, describing his years on tour as an extraordinarily rewarding experience.

The 45-year-old retired from professional tennis in 2022 after a career that produced some of the most celebrated achievements in the sport.

Federer won 103 ATP Tour titles and spent 310 weeks as the world’s No. 1 player.

He completed a career Grand Slam and won 20 major singles titles, establishing himself as one of the greatest players in tennis history.

But Federer said his legacy was about more than statistics and trophies.

He reflected on his contribution to improving conditions for players, including efforts involving player welfare, prize-money distribution and tournament conditions.

The Hall of Fame recognition is different from the competitive honours he accumulated throughout his playing career, Federer acknowledged.

During his 25 years on tour, Federer developed a reputation not only for his elegant style of play but also for his sportsmanship and professionalism.

His rivalry with Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic became one of the defining chapters of modern tennis, while his success helped expand the sport’s global popularity.

Federer won eight Wimbledon singles titles and remained a major force at the top level for almost two decades.

He also spoke about the pressure associated with being one of the world’s leading athletes, acknowledging that maintaining perspective was not always easy.

Despite the intense expectations, Federer said he was grateful for the opportunity to compete at the highest level and largely retained his enjoyment of the sport.

His post-retirement involvement with tennis is also expected to continue. Federer has expressed interest in contributing to the sport through roles such as Laver Cup captain, mentor or commentator.

The Hall of Fame induction therefore represents both an acknowledgement of Federer’s extraordinary playing achievements and a celebration of his wider contribution to tennis.

For Federer, the ceremony marks another chapter in a career that began as a teenage professional and developed into one of the greatest stories in the history of the sport.