“Oh my God. Now we’re going to do the Mirka bit. This is such a mess” - Roger Federer overcome with emotion following Hall of Fame induction

It is hard to think that Roger Federer could get any more esteemed following the glorious tennis career he enjoyed, cementing his name as one of the greats. However, this achievements have recently been recognised as a very emotional Swiss was inducted into the prestigious International Tennis hall of Fame in Newport, Rhode Island.

A 20-time Grand Slam champion, Federer was apart of the notorious 'Big Three' who ruled the tennis landscape for a number of years, week in week out competing at the top level of the sport while entertaining fans with his brilliant style of tennis that earned him all these achievements.

His 20 major title haul includes eight at Wimbledon, more than anyone else, with his final appearance at SW19 coming in 2021. He had also won six Year–end championship finals, 28 Masters 1000 titles and and an Olympic silver medal. A total of 103 ATP titles were earned between 2001 and 2019, only trailing Jimmy Connors.

It seemed obvious that he would be inducted into this Hall of Fame, and the day had finally come where he was set to add his name to an elite group in one of tennis' most prized honours.

Before he got up to make his speech, his wife, Mirka, came out from the shadows to share a few personal words. Someone who has been seldom seen from the public eye since 2002 when she retired from pro tennis to focus on her relationship with Federer, she was still very useful.

“I still remember Andy Roddick joking after the Cincinnati final, ‘I can’t believe I lost to a guy whose girlfriend warmed him up,’” she said which got a chorus of laughs, including from Roddick.

She continued to speak on when they first met at the Sydney Olympics all the way back in 2000. “He was 18 and I was 21. 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.”

Federer would have his chance to say a few words, and he presented them as elegantly as he played tennis in his pomp. The emotions were clear as the whole event and occasion really got to him. “I need tissues and sunglasses,” Federer joked, before adding “Oh my God. Now we’re going to do the Mirka bit. This is such a mess.”

He pointed out that Mirka's last public speech came over two decades ago at the 2002 Hopman Cup. “I don’t know if you’ve been secretly practising,” he said of her speech. “But this is very high level and a tough act to follow. But I’m so happy you did it.”

Some unique statistics came out. He estimated that a whopping 5,000 of his synonymous headbands were used along with a huge number of socks. "I doubled them up. At one time in my first-round match at Wimbledon, I was so nervous I even wore three pairs.”

He began thanking the countless amount of people who got him to this stage, but not all of them were sadly hear. “Peter Carter and super cool Peter Lundgren, two men who unfortunately are no longer with us, who not only helped my game but helped me grow up fast on the road.”

In the final extract of his carefully put together speech, he gave a nod to the sport itself. “That’s played everywhere, from Switzerland to South Africa, Slovakia, India, and Brazil. Anywhere that kids draw courts in the streets with chalk, like I did. Where they hit against walls with board rackets. Where parents get the kids to practise. Where coaches work and fans show up in the blazing sun or the bitter cold. Where the ball kids have their knee on the ground and are ready to move. I will always see the sport through their eyes.”

From the first signs of potential back in 2000 to his final dance in 2022, Federer's career has been one of mesmeric glory and triumph. One of the most popular tennis players, he has been loved and adored by many who still reminisce of his most memorable moments along with the thrilling rivalries he enjoyed with the likes of Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic. Truly a special tennis career etched in history and recognised through his worthy Hall of Fame induction.