“This boy from Basel thanks you for the incredible honour”:Roger Federer Reflects on Family, Tennis and His Legendary Journey

Roger Federer marked another unforgettable chapter in his legendary career with his induction into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in Newport, delivering an emotional speech filled with memories, gratitude, tears and plenty of laughs.

Roger Federer's COMPLETE @TennisHalloFame Induction speech.

Stop what you are doing and enjoy this half an hour. pic.twitter.com/lQDE7LfhkK

— José Morgado (@josemorgado) August 30, 2026

The 45-year-old Swiss superstar joked that his speech might continue until sunrise because of the number of times he had to pause and compose himself through tears.

What an incredible evening spent honouring not only a phenomenal player, but a phenomenal person, @rogerfederer, as he's inducted into the @TennisHalloFame ♥️#InductionCelebration #CloserToGreatness pic.twitter.com/iq6TbRiSo8

— ATP Tour (@atptour) August 30, 2026

But beneath the humour was a deeply personal reflection on a life shaped by tennis.
Federer said walking through the Hall of Fame and seeing the stories of the players he admired was an honour that was difficult to put into words.

“This is one of the greatest honours of my life.”

Federer Reflects on His Love for Tennis

Rather than focusing on his extraordinary records and achievements, Federer spoke about something he considered even more important — his love for playing tennis.

“We play tennis, we’re tennis players. That for me is what it's about: the sense of play,” Federer said, highlighting how the joy of the game carried him through the countless hours of training and competition.

He recalled how tennis had been part of his life from an incredibly young age. Federer said his parents told him that he first picked up a racquet when he was just three years old.

The Swiss legend also remembered his childhood in Basel, where, at the age of 13, he served as a ball boy at the Swiss Indoors tournament.

Standing close to professional players gave the young Federer an early glimpse into the intensity and demands of elite tennis.

From Wooden Racquets to a Tennis Icon

Federer also brought laughter to the ceremony by recalling his childhood equipment.

“I grew up with the wooden racquets and white tennis balls, that's how old I am,” he joked.

He remembered playing with his father’s heavy wooden racquet using both hands on his forehand and backhand — an amusing contrast to the elegant one-handed backhand that eventually became one of the defining shots of his career.

Federer even joked about his vast collection of headbands and socks, rather than spending much time discussing his Grand Slam titles and other records.

Special Tribute to His Parents

Federer reserved special praise for his parents, Lynette and Robert, for supporting his tennis journey.

He credited his mother with organising his lessons, matches and coaches while also working at the Swiss Indoors.
“Mom made it happen. Thank you, mom,” Federer said.

He also affectionately referred to his father as “The Real RF”, recalling how his father encouraged him to play aggressively by banning him from hitting moonballs against him.

Emotional Tribute to Mirka

One of the most touching moments came when Federer spoke about his wife, Mirka Federer, who introduced him at the ceremony.

Federer described Mirka as someone who inspires him every day and praised her for being a wonderful mother to their four children.

“She and I grab each other's hands, and we run through walls. Thank you,” Federer said in an emotional tribute.

Federer: Tennis Will Always Be Part of His Life

Federer also reflected on the responsibility he felt toward fans throughout his career.

He said he always tried to remain true to himself and demonstrate his love for tennis, while recognising that fans choose to spend their time watching the sport.

“People don't have to come watch us play. They come to be entertained, inspired, excited,” Federer said.

Although Federer retired from competitive tennis, he made it clear that the sport will remain central to his life.

“Tennis will always be at the intersection of everything I care most about,” he said, making clear that his relationship with the sport is far from over.

Federer ended his emotional speech by returning to his roots and thanking everyone who had shared his remarkable journey.

“This boy from Basel thanks you for the incredible honour.”

His induction into the International Tennis Hall of Fame provided a fitting celebration of a career defined not only by Grand Slam titles and records, but also by his connection with fans, his love for the game and the people who helped him become one of tennis’ most enduring icons.