Roger Federer’s Hall of Fame induction: A call, a career, and the echo of greatness

You always think you know what to expect with Roger Federer. His game was a study in composure. A seamless ballet of physics and poetry, his demeanor always calm, his reactions measured.

So when word came that the 20-time Grand Slam champion had been elected to the International Tennis Hall of Fame, nobody blinked. Of course he had. The only surprise, as Federer himself might say, was how it happened.

I was watching from afar when Federer received the call. Not just any call, but a once-in-a-lifetime moment at the headquarters of Swiss Tennis in Biel, where a street literally bears his name. Fifty junior players surrounded him. A nod to where it all began.

The video call was led by Kim Clijsters and Patrick McEnroe, representatives of the Hall. But as Federer listened in, the screen started filling with legends. Becker, Edberg, Evert, et. al. Federer was visibly moved.

“I thought that maybe they were just going to go like, ‘congrats,’ and then wave into the camera, but every person literally spoke on the call,” Federer said afterward. “It was really meaningful to have your heroes speak to you in a moment like this.”

For a man who once dominated the sport with such finesse it almost seemed effortless, this moment was deeply human. Rosie Casals, a trailblazer in women’s tennis, didn’t miss the chance to tease him: “I know you are a crier, you better bring plenty of Kleenex.”

The induction won’t officially take place until August 2026 in Newport, Rhode Island. But the tennis world is already celebrating a legacy.

Federer spent a record 237 consecutive weeks at World No. 1, won 103 ATP titles, and dazzled across surfaces with a style all his own. He’s the only player in history to win two different majors five years in a row — five straight Wimbledons and five straight US Opens.

And yet, what elevates him beyond numbers is the aura.

Martina Navratilova simply said, “I’m so glad you were born.” Virginia Wade compared his shot-making to a concert pianist. Billie Jean King remembered the “guts, such focus, such intensity” of his 2017 win over Nadal. Gigi Fernandez joked that her sister still hasn’t washed her cheek after Federer kissed it post-retirement. His reply? “Tell her to wash her face.”

It was Federer’s warmth, not just his wins, that left such a mark. He brought grace to the locker room as much as the court. From the beers with Rafter to a pep talk from King after a tough Olympic loss in 2008, Federer always stayed connected to the game’s soul.

The Hall of Fame, long seen as an American institution, hadn’t been something Federer grew up idolizing. It wasn’t until Pete Sampras, famously reserved, confessed to being overwhelmed by his own induction that Federer began to realize its emotional weight.

Now, the Hall will open its doors to him. He’s the first of the Big Three to enter. Others will follow soon. Serena, Nadal, Murray, eventually Djokovic. Federer sees what’s coming.

“I do believe the tennis Hall of Fame should be much bigger,” he said. “The next years are going to be absolutely stacked with absolute legends.”

It’s hard to capture the full spectrum of Federer’s career. Maybe that’s why the most fitting tribute came not in a stat but a smile. “This is the best video call I’ve ever had,” he said, grinning.

He always made it look easy. Now, the tennis world returns the serve. Thank you, Roger. Welcome home.