SEPT 25 - 27, 2026 | LONDON
When Roger Federer walks onto the historic Horseshoe Court in Newport, Rhode Island, on August 29, he will take his place among tennis’ greatest champions.
Induction into the International Tennis Hall of Fame is one of the sport’s highest honors, recognizing players and contributors who have shaped tennis history and left an enduring mark on the game. Tournament titles reward a week. Rankings reward a season. Hall of Fame induction recognizes a career.
When Federer’s induction was announced last year, around 30 of the sport’s greatest names gathered virtually to congratulate him.
“Congratulations [on] being part of the Tennis Hall of Fame. You really, really deserve it,” said Swedish great Stefan Edberg, who coached Federer from 2014 to 2015.
“You really put tennis on a different map. Whenever you started winning, people that had nothing to do with tennis liked tennis. It was because of you,” said Boris Becker. “So, you’re not only one of the best players in tennis of all time, you’re the most important sportsman of all time.”
Federer’s playing career transformed the record books. Over 24 years, the Swiss Maestro won 20 Grand Slam singles titles, 103 ATP singles titles, spent 310 weeks as world No.1– including a record 237 consecutive weeks from February 2004 to August 2008 – and became one of the most recognizable and admired athletes in global sport. He was also crowned ATP Year-End No.1 five times.
A new kind of champion
During the 2000s, Federer became the standard against which greatness was measured. Across more than two decades at the highest level, he competed against multiple generations of champions – from the greats he faced early on in his career to the rivalries with Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic that came to define an era. Effortless movement and an all-court game inspired generations of players.
Off the court, he became one of tennis’ most respected figures, admired as much for his humility and sportsmanship as for his achievements.
His connection with fans and fellow players continued throughout his career. Federer received the Stefan Edberg Sportsmanship Award a record 13 times and was named ATP Fans’ Favorite for 19 consecutive years from 2003–2021.
“It’s a tremendous honor to be inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame and to stand alongside so many of the game’s great champions,” Federer said last year after learning of his selection.
“Throughout my career, I’ve always valued the history of tennis and the example set by those who came before me. It was very special to receive the news at Swiss Tennis, surrounded by the next generation of players – the place where my own journey first began. To be recognized in this way by the sport and by my peers is deeply humbling.” – Roger Federer
Federer’s induction will be celebrated with a three-day program of tennis from August 27–29, bringing together fans, legends and the newest members of the Hall of Fame. The Class of 2026 includes Federer and broadcaster Mary Carillo, who will be inducted in the Contributor Category. Federer will also return to the court during the week, taking part in a doubles exhibition at the Hall of Fame Celebrity Pro Classic.
Beyond the record books
Federer’s legacy, however, extends beyond the records he set. It also includes helping shape the future of the sport. Among Federer’s lasting contributions is the Laver Cup, the team competition he envisioned with longtime business partner Tony Godsick and his management company, TEAM8, and brought to life with partners Tennis Australia, the USTA and entrepreneur Jorge Paulo Lemann.
Named in honor of Rod Laver, Federer envisioned an event where Europe’s biggest stars would join forces against Team World, where fierce rivals would become teammates and where tennis could showcase a different side of its greatest champions. He also saw an opportunity to give the legends of the game a role beyond their playing careers – a place where champions such as Bjorn Borg, John McEnroe, Yannick Noah and Andre Agassi could return to the sport, lead teams, share their experience and help guide the next generation.
In just eight editions, the Laver Cup has carved a place on the tennis calendar. It has produced unforgettable moments: Federer and Nadal teaming together in Prague, then sharing the court again during Federer’s emotional farewell at Laver Cup London 2022; teammates coaching one another from courtside; and established champions returning to the spotlight in a new role.
It is fitting, then, that only weeks after his Hall of Fame induction, Federer will be back in London as the competition he helped create returns to The O2 for its ninth edition from September 25-27.
Federer’s induction is recognition not only of what he achieved, but of the way he approached the sport. Asked if he would do anything differently with what he knows today, Federer’s answer was simple.
“No, nothing at all. I’d want to experience it all again, with all the highs and lows. All these experiences made me the person I am. I never tried to pretend to be someone else… I always tried to stay authentic. Whether in success or failure. It was a wonderful journey.”
Watch Federer reflect on his career in this six-part series presented by the International Tennis Hall of Fame in the Road to Newport video series.
