"This Is Such A Mess": Tearful Roger Federer Breaks Down During Tennis Hall Of Fame Speech

It’s common to see Roger Federer get emotional on the courtroom, however it was uncommon to see him so weak with a microphone in his hand. The 20-time Grand Slam champion gave a tearful speech throughout his induction into the Worldwide Tennis Corridor of Fame in Newport, Rhode Island. Following a shifting introduction by his spouse, Mirka, the 45-year-old sports activities legend broke down a number of occasions throughout his practically 30-minute speech. He spoke about his love for tennis and thanked the individuals who supported his journey.

Federer began with a heat smile and joked about how laborious it was to talk proper after Mirka. “Oh man,” he mentioned. “This can be a powerful act to observe. I do not know in case you have been practising secretly… I used to be a little bit burdened, to be trustworthy.”

Nonetheless, his composure didn’t final lengthy. As he spoke about his childhood idol, Stefan Edberg, tears started to stream down his face. He needed to pause and reassure the laughing viewers that these have been comfortable tears.

The feelings grew even stronger when he spoke about his household and group, particularly Mirka, who backed him all through a profession that included 103 ATP titles and 310 weeks as World No. 1. Overcome with emotion, he paused to gather himself.

“Now the Mirka half… Oh gosh, that is such a multitude,” he mentioned. “I want tissues and sun shades and every part to guard me proper now.”

Roger Federer’s COMPLETE @TennisHalloFame Induction speech.

Cease what you’re doing and luxuriate in this half an hour. pic.twitter.com/lQDE7LfhkK

— José Morgado (@josemorgado) August 30, 2026

He additionally thanked the ball children, remembering his personal early days in Basel: “I see you. I thanks. I used to be you.”

Reflecting on his historic achievements, together with eight Wimbledon titles and 5 straight US Open trophies, Federer shared that fame was by no means his primary purpose. As an alternative, he merely wished to spend his life doing what he beloved alongside nice folks.

He closed his speech with a comforting message for followers. “As you’ll be able to inform, I am nonetheless writing my love letter to tennis,” he mentioned, promising that whereas his enjoying days are over, his connection to the game will final without end.