‘I need tissues and sunglasses’: Emotional Roger Federer inducted into Tennis Hall of Fame

Newport: Roger Federer was brought to tears on several occasions during his induction speech at the International Tennis Hall of Fame on Saturday.

As sunset fell over Newport’s grass horseshoe court at the entrance to the Hall, the 45-year-old Federer, clad in a tan suit, walked up to the stage, kissed and embraced his wife, Mirka, who had just introduced him, and acknowledged the emotional weight of the moment.

“Oh man,” were the initial words from the first man in history to capture 20 Grand Slam singles titles. “This is very high level and a tough act to follow.”

He quipped: “I don’t know if you have been practising secretly,” before expressing appreciation for his wife’s presentation of the 272nd Hall of Fame inductee.

Federer was enshrined alongside Mary Carillo, a broadcaster and former player, who was presented by Hall of Famer Billie Jean King.

Federer, referred to as the “Swiss Maestro” during the Hall’s inaugural red-carpet event held on centre court roughly 90 minutes before the ceremony, admitted to the crowd that he “was a little stressed, to be honest.”

Throughout his nearly 30-minute address, Federer, famed for his fluid movement, rapid net attacks, and signature one-handed backhand that sustained him through a record 237 consecutive weeks at No. 1 in the ATP rankings, became overcome with emotion multiple times.

The tears began midway through his address as he spoke of his childhood idol, Stefan Edberg, reassuring the audience that these were “happy tears.”

He grew emotional once more when referencing his long-serving coach, Severin Luthi, prior to expressing his gratitude to Mirka for supporting his career.

“Now the Mirka part,” he said, pausing before breaking into tears. “Oh gosh, this such a mess.”

He attempted a lighthearted joke, but the emotion arrived as swiftly as a fast return at the net.

“I need tissues and sunglasses, everything to protect me right now,” he told the crowd, fighting back further tears.

Yet, much like recovering to win one of his five straight US Open crowns between 2004 and 2008 or advancing to 10 consecutive Slam finals — eight of which he won — Federer concluded by praising the ball boys and urging current players to push the sport to new heights.

Federer, who marked his 45th birthday three weeks ago, secured eight Wimbledon titles and remains one of only eight men to accomplish a career Grand Slam. His tally also includes six Australian Open titles and a French Open triumph in 2009.

“I’m thrilled to have made the journey here,” he said. “It’s amazing to see yourself in a place like this. To immerse yourself in the history of the sport means a lot to me.”

"To read the stories of my greatest heroes and to realise, I mean to truly realise for the first time, that I have a place here. This is one of the greatest honours of my life," he added.

Carillo, inducted under the contributor category, is already a member of the Sports Broadcasting Hall of Fame.

AP

King stated: “She has earned her spot in sports journalism and she has earned her spot in Newport.”

Carillo, 69, expressed deep emotion standing before the assembled Hall of Famers.

“To walk through these gates here in the company of you people, that was beyond my dreams,” she said.

AP