“Roger was very surprised”: Svetlana Kuznetsova shares Federer anecdote as she targets Hall of Fame place

Tuesday, 20 October 2026 at 01:00

Svetlana Kuznetsova received an unexpected compliment from her favorite player during this year's US Open, when Ivan Ljubicic told her that Roger Federer had been asking why she was not already in the International Tennis Hall of Fame. The exchange left the two-time Grand Slam champion stunned, and she has now shared the story as she prepares for a second consecutive attempt to secure a place among tennis' most celebrated figures.

Kuznetsova revealed the encounter in a message on her Telegram channel after announcing that she had been nominated for the Hall of Fame again. The former world No. 2 was walking around the US Open grounds when she crossed paths with Ljubicic, the former Croatian player who later coached Federer. What began as a casual meeting quickly turned into a memorable moment for the Russian.

The nomination carries added significance after Kuznetsova missed out in 2026. She was shortlisted alongside Federer and Juan Martín del Potro, but only the Swiss legend was elected. Despite being overlooked herself, Kuznetsova said she was happy to see Federer receive the recognition, describing him as a player who deserved the spotlight.

Kuznetsova is nominated again this year alongside former world No. 1 Ashleigh Barty and Del Potro, while Japanese wheelchair tennis great Shingo Kunieda is also on the ballot in his category. With the fan vote open until October 25, she is hoping that her second consecutive nomination will finally lead to induction.

Kuznetsova was stunned by Federer's reported reaction

Kuznetsova recalled that she was walking around the US Open when she ran into Ljubicic, who immediately told her that she had been the subject of a conversation with Federer.

“'Oh, Sveta, how wonderful that you're here! Can you believe it? Roger and I were just talking about you!'” Ljubicic told her, according to Kuznetsova's account.

The news caught her completely by surprise. Federer has long been her favorite player, and the idea that he had been discussing her career was enough to make her laugh. But Ljubicic had another detail to share, one that made the encounter even more meaningful as Kuznetsova continued to wait for Hall of Fame recognition.

“By the way, Roger was very surprised that you still aren't in the Hall of Fame,” Ljubicic added.

Kuznetsova's reaction was immediate, and she recalled being overwhelmed by the compliment. “Well, at that moment I completely melted. I thought: 'Roger, I wish God could hear you say that!'” she wrote.

The exchange offered a personal reminder of the respect Kuznetsova's career commands, even as she awaits the Hall of Fame's decision. She won the US Open in 2004 and the French Open in 2009, reached world No. 2 and collected 18 WTA singles titles.

Kuznetsova explains why she had no issue with Federer being chosen

Kuznetsova, Federer and Del Potro were all nominated in 2026, but only Federer was inducted. She said the result did not bother her, making clear that she believed the Swiss deserved the attention he received.

“On the contrary! Roger is a true legend of our sport. I think all the attention at that moment should have been on him. He deserved it,” Kuznetsova wrote.

Her comments show that she viewed Federer's induction as a moment to celebrate rather than a missed opportunity to dwell on. Now, however, she has another chance to join him in the Hall of Fame, and she is asking fans to help make that happen.

“Of course, the final decision is no longer in my hands. But part of it depends on you!” she wrote, encouraging supporters to cast their votes through the official Hall of Fame website.

The ballot is set for the Class of 2027 🏆🎾 Ash Barty, Svetlana Kuznetsova and Juan Martín del Potro have been named to the ballot in the Player Category, with Shingo Kunieda in the Wheelchair Tennis Category. Learn more about the nominees: https://t.co/sHl15P2Lcm https://t.co/zXCcxSm00i
— International Tennis Hall of Fame (@TennisHalloFame) October 18, 2026

Kuznetsova also reminded fans that several nominees can be inducted, so supporting her does not mean having to choose against another candidate. Alongside Barty and Del Potro in the player category, Kunieda is nominated in wheelchair tennis.

The voting process requires fans to select their candidates, provide an email address and confirm their vote through a link sent to their inbox. Voting is scheduled to remain open until October 25.

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Kuznetsova closed her message by thanking those who have supported her throughout her career. “I really appreciate your support! Thank you for your votes and for being with me for so many years!"

After missing out in her first attempt, Kuznetsova now has another opportunity to receive one of tennis' highest honors. Her encounter with Ljubičić and Federer's reported reaction gave her a memorable reason to reflect on that goal, but the final decision will come through the Hall of Fame process and the votes cast before the deadline.

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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