Swiss tennis icon Roger Federer is set to be honored this weekend at the International Tennis Hall of Fame in Newport, Rhode Island. In a recent interview with CNN Sports, Federer admitted he is ready for “happy tears” as he looks forward to the ceremony that will celebrate a career many consider the greatest in the sport.
Family at the heart of the moment
Federer said the presence of his family – his parents, wife Mirka and their four children – will make the occasion especially moving. “If I’m speaking about the game and all the gratitude that I have, and having my entire family there, I think it could hit home very hard,” he explained. He hopes to deliver a speech without too many hiccups, but expects the emotions to be strong.
A career defined by record‑breaking success
From his breakthrough Wimbledon victory in 2001, when he dethroned Pete Sampras on his Centre Court debut, to his record‑setting 237‑week reign at world No. 1, Federer has amassed an extraordinary résumé. He captured three of the four Grand Slam titles in 2004, won over 95% of his matches in 2005, and posted a 94.8% win rate in his 2006 peak season, claiming three majors and twelve titles overall.
His 20 Grand Slam titles stood as the all‑time record until recent challenges from Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic. Yet fans and fellow players continue to view him as the benchmark of excellence, praising his grace, elegance and sportsmanship on and off the court.
Reflections on his playing style
When asked about the perception that his game looked effortless, Federer recalled critics saying, “It looked like I wasn’t actually hitting the ball so hard.” He clarified that his seemingly fluid strokes required immense power and relentless work. “There was a lot of work and effort put into it,” he said, noting that the pressure and sacrifice of his career were massive.
Life after tennis
Now retired, Federer says he enjoys a slower pace, focusing on family, philanthropy, and business ventures. He remains active on the road, describing himself as “a guy who loves being on the road.” He also shared personal goals, including improving his golf game and returning to the piano – an instrument he played in his youth and that his children also enjoy.
Looking ahead to the Hall of Fame ceremony, Federer expressed a wish to play against legends he admires, naming Rod Laver, Björn Borg, John McEnroe, Stefan Edberg, Boris Becker and Pete Sampras as his dream opponents.
Legacy beyond the court
Federer’s induction will place him among the sport’s most revered figures. While his record of 20 Grand Slam titles has been surpassed, his influence on tennis culture, his charitable work through the Roger Federer Foundation, and his reputation as a family‑focused, humble champion continue to inspire fans worldwide.
Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.
