Tearful Federer celebrates tennis legacy with Hall of Fame induction

Roger Federer was overcome with emotion as the 20-time Grand Slam champion was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in Newport, Rhode Island, saying he remains committed to the sport that has shaped his life.

Federer was inducted on Saturday alongside broadcaster and journalist Mary Carillo, reflecting on a career that established him as one of the greatest players in tennis history.

"This is one of the greatest honours of my life," Federer said during a speech that brought him to tears several times.

"They call this the Hall of Fame, but fame was never the goal. My goal was to spend my life doing something I love ... with people who love it as much as I do."

Federer, who retired in 2022 after winning 103 ATP Tour titles, claimed a men's-record eight Wimbledon championships and spent 310 weeks at world number one.

His Grand Slam record also includes six Australian Open titles, five US Open crowns and one French Open victory.

Reflecting on his approach to the game, Federer said he had always been eager to experiment and develop his style rather than simply rely on conventional tactics.

He recalled moving between serve-and-volley tennis, aggressive positioning and attacking returns, including the tactic that became known as the "SABR" - Sneak Attack by Roger.

For Federer, however, his greatest memories were not necessarily those created on court.

"Tennis meant the world to me. Not just playing, not just winning, but creating something new," he said.

The 45-year-old became emotional as he thanked the coaches, doctors and family members who supported him throughout his career.

His wife, Mirka, also paid tribute to Federer, highlighting his character away from competition as a husband, father and friend.

Federer said he was particularly proud to enter the Hall of Fame with Switzerland alongside him, recalling his childhood passion for tennis and watching matches as a 13-year-old ball boy in Basel.

"I'm still writing my love letter to tennis, and my time as a player is done, but tennis will always stand at the intersection of everything I care most about," he said.

"My family, our friendships, the past 40 years, the future we're building - tennis, for me, is responsible for it all. So this is not a goodbye."

Federer also reflected on the privilege of competing across several generations of tennis greats, naming Andre Agassi, Lleyton Hewitt, Andy Roddick, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic among those who helped define his era.

He said his Hall of Fame induction was not simply a moment to celebrate the past, but also an opportunity to consider the future of tennis.

"We all leave the court eventually, but the sport keeps evolving," Federer said.

He urged future generations of players to preserve the camaraderie and spirit of the game while continuing to challenge conventions.

As professional tennis becomes faster and increasingly global, Federer said he hoped the sport would retain some of its amateur spirit and encourage players to remain curious, authentic and willing to take risks.

"Do things with the game we've never seen before," he said. "Keep pushing this sport we love to the next level and keep getting better, better, and better."

Longtime rival and close friend Djokovic was among the tennis legends to congratulate Federer.

In a video message, the Serbian described Federer as a "great ambassador for our sport" and said few players were more deserving of the honour.

"What you have achieved, what you have represented and still represent for the sport of tennis and sport in general is something truly incredible and remarkable," Djokovic said.