Roger Federer Fights Back Tears as Wife Mirka Delivers Heartfelt Speech Introducing Him at Tennis Hall of Fame

Roger Federer lifted 103 tour-level titles, including 20 Majors in his storied career.

Roger Federer Fights Back Tears as Wife Mirka Delivers Heartfelt Speech Introducing Him at Tennis Hall of Fame

Mirka Federer and Roger Federer (Image via YouTube Screengrab)

Roger Federer has now been officially inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame. And the person who introduced him was none other than his wife, Mirka Federer.

During the ceremony, held on Saturday (August 29), Mirka delivered a heartfelt speech, leaving her husband in tears. She started her speech by reminiscing about their early days when they met for the first time at the Sydney Olympics in 2000, when he was 18 and she was 21, also joking that he had not won any tour-level title when they started dating.

Yes, I was the older woman. Apparently, Roger decided right away that age was just a number. He pursued me anyway and thankfully, he was persistent! When we met, he had exactly zero ATP titles. Zero. Looking back, I suppose I was there for all 103 that followed.

Mirka recalled how she used to warm him up before matches, as she also played professional tennis. Everyone broke into laughter when Mirka recounted an Andy Roddick joke.

I still remember Andy Roddick joking after the Cincinnati final, ‘I can’t believe I lost to a guy whose girlfriend warmed him up!’ He really said that, and I remember. We still smile every time we speak about that.

Mirka Federer added

Mirka then talked about the qualities that she liked the most about Federer, that he always wanted the people he loved close to him, and that while the tennis world saw elegance, Mirka saw the “work, the hours, the discipline, the commitment,” and everything that made his tennis look so effortless.

She also remembered the time when she told him that her traveling days probably were over because they were expecting twins. And Federer’s response was: “Then I won’t play anymore.” And as per Mirka, “he wasn’t being dramatic. He meant it. That’s who Roger is. His family comes first.” What makes Mirka proudest wasn’t what Federer accomplished when the world was watching, but who he is when no one is watching. And here, she started to fight back her tears.

Tonight, it’s my honor to introduce my husband, my best friend, and now the newest member of the International Tennis Hall of Fame.

Mirka Federer added
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Novak Djokovic congratulates Hall of Famer Roger Federer

Roger Federer‘s induction into the Hall of Fame was a sure thing. The Swiss maestro had a career that spanned 24 years, during which he lifted 103 singles titles, including 20 Grand Slam titles.

Roger Federer
Roger Federer (via NY Times)

The 45-year-old also spent 310 weeks at the No.1 ranking. So at his induction, he was showered with congratulations from all corners, with his old rival Novak Djokovic also joining his admirers.

Roger, congratulations for your induction into the Hall of Fame. We all knew this day would come sooner or later, and I don’t think anybody deserves this more than you. What you’ve achieved, what you represented, and still represent for tennis and sports in general is something truly incredible and remarkable.

Novak Djokovic said (via ATP Tour)

While Federer called time on his legendary career in 2022, Nole is still chasing more Grand Slam glory. At the US Open, which kicks off on August 30, Djokovic will be hoping to end his Grand Slam title drought, last winning a Major in the same event back in 2023.

The 24-time Grand Slam champion will face Mariano Navone in the first round. Earlier this season, the 39-year-old lost the Australian Open final to Carlos Alcaraz. But in Paris and Wimbledon, he lost to Joao Fonseca in the third round and eventual champion Jannik Sinner in the semifinals, respectively.

Alcaraz will play as the defending champion. It was he who beat Djokovic in the semifinals of last year’s US Open.

Also read: Aryna Sabalenka Embraces the Noise Over Her Bold US Open Wardrobe: “They Always Complain”