“I had the best time”: Roger Federer looks back on 25 years on tour ahead of Hall of Fame induction

Friday, 28 August 2026 at 19:00

Five years after Roger Federer played what would unknowingly become his final Wimbledon match, the Swiss legend is finally set to receive one of tennis' highest honors.

Federer will be inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in Newport, Rhode Island, on Saturday, completing a journey that began with his final Wimbledon appearance in 2021 and ended with an emotional farewell at the 2022 Laver Cup. When Federer lost to Hubert Hurkacz at Wimbledon, he did not know it would be his last match at the All England Club.

His final competitive appearance came a year later, when he partnered Rafael Nadal at the Laver Cup in London. Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray were also part of Team Europe, giving the 20-time Grand Slam champion an extraordinary farewell alongside three of the defining figures of his era.

Now, almost four years after retirement, Federer is looking back at a career that produced 20 Grand Slam titles, 103 ATP titles and 1,251 match wins. Yet the Swiss believes his legacy ultimately became about far more than the trophies he collected.

Federer was surprised by what fans remembered

Federer's numbers would have been enough to guarantee his place in tennis history. He won eight Wimbledon titles, five consecutive US Opens and reached 10 straight Grand Slam finals between 2005 and 2007, winning eight of them.

But retirement changed his perspective on what actually mattered.

“I think when you retire, I think I said it before, that there was a lot of talk also about maybe my personality and what I brought to the game overall when I wasn’t on court, which I was a little surprised,” Federer said. “I thought it was about, in the moment, forehands and backhands and saving break points and victories and all that stuff."

Roger Federer won 20 Grand Slma titles - the last one at 2018 Australian Open, defeating Marin Cilic in the final.

"But actually it becomes a little bit - not irrelevant eventually - but it’s about what were you remembered for, how did you behave in the locker rooms or in the corridors or maybe with the media, or with the tournament directors, the ball kids.”

That part of Federer's legacy was reflected in the recognition he received throughout his career. He won the ATP Sportsmanship Award 13 times and was voted ATP Fan Favorite every year from 2003 through his retirement in 2021.

“For me, if I look back, that’s kind of what I’m very happy about, that I went through 25 years on tour, and actually felt like I made a lot of friends and a lot of people miss me,” he said.

“Then I get a flashback saying it was an amazing time, and I say it every time. I loved it, and it’s a shame I can’t be on the tour anymore. But it was a great, great time and I miss it dearly.”

Federer still feels tied to tennis

Federer's playing career may be over, but his connection with tennis remains strong. He occasionally attends tournaments and recently returned to Flushing Meadows for an exhibition, receiving a huge reception from fans at Arthur Ashe Stadium.

The Swiss admits that remaining around the sport has become an important part of his life. “I’m in a very comfortable place today, but I’m still happy to be out there and being in the tennis world from time to time, because it is the glue to everything that surrounds me still today,” Federer said.

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And as he prepares for his Hall of Fame induction, Federer offered perhaps his simplest assessment of a career that lasted a quarter of a century.

“I had the best time, had a lot of friends on tour, from players to people who were organizers, et cetera. So I hope that a lot of the players who retire also feel the same way about the game, because I care dearly.”

Five years after his final Wimbledon match and almost four years after his last appearance alongside Nadal at the Laver Cup, Federer is entering the Hall of Fame. The trophies made him a legend. The relationships, he now believes, are what made the journey matter.

Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist

Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.

His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.

In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.

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