Swiss tennis great Roger Federer is set to be inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame this weekend in Newport, Rhode Island. In a recent interview with CNN Sports, Federer said he expects the occasion to bring “happy tears” as he reflects on his career and the support of his family.
Family at the heart of the moment
Federer emphasized that having his parents, wife and four children present will make the ceremony especially meaningful. “If I’m speaking about the game and all the gratitude that I have, and having my entire family there – from my parents to my wife to my four children and my whole team – I think it could hit home very hard,” he said.
A career of record‑breaking achievements
From his breakthrough victory over Pete Sampras at Wimbledon in 2001 to his record 237‑week reign at world No. 1, Federer has amassed a legacy that few can match. He captured three Grand Slam titles in 2004, won 95% of his matches in 2005, and posted a 94.8% win rate in his peak 2006 season, securing three more majors and a total of 12 titles that year.
His 20 Grand Slam titles stood as the all‑time record until recent challenges from Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic. Yet many fans still regard Federer as the greatest player of all time, citing his graceful style and sportsmanship.
Looking beyond the court
Now retired from professional tennis, Federer enjoys a slower pace of life. He described his daily routine as “really happy” and said he is focused on family, philanthropy and business ventures. He also shared his interest in picking up golf again and returning to the piano, an instrument he played in his youth.
When asked about the possibility of playing exhibition matches against other legends, Federer named Rod Laver, Björn Borg, John McEnroe, Stefan Edberg, Boris Becker and Pete Sampras as his dream opponents, praising their personalities and contributions to the sport.
Legacy and humility
Federer reflected on the perception that his game seemed effortless. “It looked like I wasn’t actually hitting the ball so hard,” he recalled, noting that many observers thought his success came easily. He stressed the massive sacrifice and pressure he endured throughout his career.
Despite the accolades, Federer said he feels at peace with his decision to step away from the tour. “I’m actually really happy going through everyday life at a lower pace,” he said, adding that he has no desire to recreate the intense pressure of his playing days.
What the induction means
The Hall of Fame ceremony offers Federer a chance to relive his greatest memories and celebrate the sport that shaped his life. As he prepares his speech, he hopes to honor the game, his family and the fans who have supported him for more than two decades.
Original reporting: KRDO (Colorado Springs metro) — read the source article.
