Roger Federer's induction into the International
Tennis Hall of Fame is already well established. Now, the full guest list for the ceremony and the celebrations surrounding it has been revealed, bringing together an unusually strong collection of tennis legends and sporting stars in Newport.
Federer will officially be inducted on Saturday, August 29 alongside television personality Mary Carillo. But the celebrations will begin the previous day, when the 20-time Grand Slam champion takes part in a special exhibition match on the grass courts of Newport.
The lineup accompanying Federer includes several former world No. 1s, Grand Slam champions and some of the most recognizable names in tennis history. Bob Bryan, Mike Bryan, John McEnroe, Stefan Edberg, Lleyton Hewitt, Arantxa Sánchez Vicario, Martina Navratilova and Gabriela Sabatini are all expected to take part in the celebrations.
The exhibition will also bring in stars from outside the tennis world, including television host Joey Graziadei and Olympic alpine skiing champion Lindsey Vonn, who will serve as the event's chair umpire.
Federer surrounded by tennis royalty in Newport
The guest list features several players with direct connections to Federer's era and career. Hewitt, for example, was one of his biggest rivals during the Swiss' rise to the top of men's tennis, while Edberg later became part of Federer's coaching team.
McEnroe will also join the festivities, while the Bryan brothers bring their status as two of the most successful doubles players in tennis history. On the women's side, three major champions from different generations will be represented through Navratilova, Sabatini and Sánchez Vicario.
The exhibition doubles field will also feature two-time Grand Slam champion Garbiñe Muguruza. The Spaniard won the French Open in 2016 and Wimbledon in 2017 before retiring from professional tennis earlier this year.
Graziadei and Michael Costa will complete the doubles lineup. Graziadei is known for his television career, while Costa brings professional tennis experience to the event after competing at that level before moving into comedy.
Vonn, meanwhile, will have a role of her own. The two-time Olympic medalist and alpine skiing champion will take the chair for the exhibition, adding another major sporting name to an already star-studded occasion.
A fitting group for Federer's Newport celebration
The collection of guests reflects the different generations and disciplines that have surrounded Federer throughout his career. Some were rivals, some were champions from previous eras, and others come from outside tennis altogether.
The exhibition will take place on Friday, August 28, one day before Federer and Carillo officially enter the Hall of Fame. For Federer, the focus will therefore extend beyond the induction itself, with a gathering of tennis royalty helping turn the Newport weekend into a broader celebration of his career and place in the sport's history.