SEPT 25 - 27, 2026 | LONDON
Twenty-time Grand Slam champion Roger Federer has been announced as the next player to be inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame.
The Swiss maestro — who co-created the Laver Cup with his long-time agent Tony Godsick — redefined modern tennis with his record-breaking achievements, effortless all-court brilliance, and unmatched grace both on and off the court. His influence has long extended beyond trophies, shaping the sport’s global identity and inspiring generations of players and fans alike. As the tennis world prepares to honor his legacy, LaverCup.com looks back on the defining moments and milestones that cemented Federer as one of the game’s true icons.
The Records
Federer set many records in his 24-year pro tennis career. In 2018 he became the first man to win 20 major singles titles, dating back to Wimbledon 2003. He won a record eight men’s singles crowns at The Championships, followed by six at the Australian Open, five at the US Open and one at Roland Garros, in 2009. He retired at Laver Cup London 2022 with 103 singles titles and spent 310 weeks at No.1. He was the year-end No.1 ranked player five times: 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, and 2009. In addition, Federer won three Laver Cup titles with Team Europe (2017, 2018. 2019) and a doubles gold medal with Stan Wawrinka at the Beijing Games in 2008.
Playing style
Federer was lauded for his effortless, graceful and versatile playing style. He possessed an exceptional single-handed backhand and was as effective at the baseline as he was at the net. His speed, agility and tactical prowess set him apart. Yet, while he possessed innate skills and mental resilience, Federer said success required hard work over talent. “The truth is, I had to work very hard to make it look easy,” he noted in an inspiring Dartmouth commencement address last year. “I didn’t get where I got on pure talent alone. I got there by trying to outwork my opponents … I believed in myself. But belief in yourself has to be earned.”
Rivalries
Roger Federer’s career was defined not only by his brilliance but by the rivals who pushed him to new heights. Foremost among them was Rafael Nadal, whose contrasting style and relentless competitiveness shaped one of sport’s greatest narratives. Federer once described Nadal as “my ultimate rival,” a nod to their epic battles across all surfaces, none more celebrated than their 2008 Wimbledon final, often hailed as the greatest match ever played. They remained great friends, and Federer played his last match at Laver Cup London 2022 with Nadal by his side. Also joining them on Team Europe that year were two of his other great rivals, Andy Murray and Novak Djokovic.
Federer and the Laver Cup
Roger Federer’s connection to Australia runs deep, shaping both his game and his legacy. As a young player, he was mentored by South Australian coach Peter Carter, whose influence Federer has often described as foundational to his development. Later, he worked closely with Australian great Tony Roche, who guided him through one of the most dominant phases of his career, helping Federer win six Grand Slam singles titles between 2005 and 2007.
Federer’s admiration for Rod Laver — the only man to complete the Grand Slam twice — became another defining thread in his connection to Australia. Laver was a hero to Federer; someone he regarded as the sport’s ultimate champion. That respect ultimately inspired Federer to co-create the Laver Cup, a team competition honoring the “Rockhampton Rocket” and celebrating the way Laver helped transform tennis from an amateur into a global and professional sport along with those he competed against.
Impact on the game
Throughout his career and beyond, Federer has been admired worldwide for his sportsmanship, humility, philanthropy and role as a global ambassador for tennis. His professionalism and relentless work ethic has inspired generations of players, while his commitment to giving back — particularly through the Roger Federer Foundation, which supports education and healthcare initiatives in Africa — cemented his reputation as a role model on and off the court. Federer is beloved by fans and respected by peers, voted the ATP Fan Favorite 19 consecutive times from 2003 to 2021, and receiving the Stefan Edberg Sportsmanship Award 13 times. Now, his extraordinary contribution to the sport will be honored when he is inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in Newport, Rhode Island in August, 2026.
