Roger Federer’s Election into Hall of Fame ‘Floored’ Andy Roddick: “Undeserving!”

Roger Federer stopped fellow former World No.1 Andy Roddick from winning four Grand Slam titles.

Roger Federer’s Election into Hall of Fame ‘Floored’ Andy Roddick: “Undeserving!”

Andy Roddick, Roger Federer (Image via X/AllAboutHQ, TNT Sports)

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Andy Roddick faced Roger Federer in 24 matches, with the latter winning 21 times. Roddick won his first Grand Slam title at the 2003 US Open and reached four more Major finals. In all these matches, he suffered defeats at the hands of none other than Federer.

In the players’ category, Federer, Juan Martin del Potro, and Svetlana Kuznetsova were nominated for the 2026 Tennis Hall of Fame, while in the contributor category, Mary Carillo and Marshall Happer were the nominees. Unsurprisingly, Federer received the most votes, with Roddick being one of the voters. On his Served podcast, the American joked that Federer was ‘undeserving’ before revealing that he had to vote for the Swiss maestro notwithstanding the many heartbreaks he suffered because of him.

You know what I was stunned about this week? Something happened this week. Floored me… Federer got voted into the Hall of Fame… I know, I know! On the first ballot! Only one person voted against him, and I’m sure I don’t know who it is… I don’t know… Undeserving! Anyways… I joke, the two people I voted for, Mary Carillo, and obviously, I voted for Roger.

A player is only eligible for Hall of Fame induction after five years of no tour-level activity. Federer called time on his career at the 2022 Laver Cup, but his last ATP match was at the 2021 Wimbledon. This year, five-time Grand Slam champion Maria Sharapova was inducted into the Hall of Fame by none other than her former rival Serena Williams.

Rafael Nadal on the legacy he, Roger Federer, and Novak Djokovic have left behind

Rafael Nadal recently sat for an interview with Valdano Universe. The Spaniard talked about the legacy he, Roger Federer, and Novak Djokovic have left behind. The King of Clay believes the Big 3 wouldn’t have achieved glory without fierce competition from one another.

Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal
Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal (Image via X/Danny)

We’ve competed at the highest level for the greatest achievements in our sport, and although we’ve had strong rivalries, we haven’t taken them to extremes. The rivalry has stayed on the track, and personal relationships have always been based on respect and admiration.

Rafael Nadal said

He also thinks the Big 3 played a great role in showing the new generation that, despite intense competition, the rivals can have mutual respect and admiration and good camaraderie, citing Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz‘s example.

Over the years, you end up appreciating the people you’ve shared so much with. I appreciate my rivals, even those who made me suffer on the track, because I value what I’ve experienced alongside them, and I’m happy to have been a part of this story. I believe we’ve left a legacy.

Rafael Nadal added

Nadal said there was no room for complacency or giving up when three of them were competing. And in spite of the immense pressure, they never stopped pushing each other. The fact that they have won a combined 66 Grand Slam titles only demonstrates “the high standards we live under”.

Nadal hung up his racket at the 2024 Davis Cup after Spain’s defeat to eventual runners-up Netherlands. In his last match, he lost in straight sets against Botic van de Zandschulp.

Nadal, Djokovic, Federer, and Andy Murray reunited when the 14-time French Open champion was honored with a retirement ceremony at Court Philippe-Chatrier this year. Last year, the 22-time Grand Slam champion played just one final, at the Swedish Open, where Nuno Borges denied him the win.

Djokovic is the only member of the legendary trio who has yet to retire. Although he is struggling to win titles (he won two ATP 250s this year), he wants to close the remarkable chapter of his career at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

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