Roger Federer is set to be inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 2026 – four years after he retired at the Laver Cup in London’s O2 Arena, and five years after he played his last official match at Wimbledon. Fellow Hall of Famers Kim Clijsters, Boris Becker and Stefan Edberg delivered the news to a surprised Federer in his home of Switzerland.
The former world No. 1 will be inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in Newport next August. And he could well be reunited with Rafael Nadal. Earlier this year, old rivals Serena Williams and Maria Sharapova reconnected when Williams was invited to introduce the Russian during her induction ceremony, and Nadal could well do the same for the 20-time Major winner.
The International Hall of Fame player category recognises ex-pros from the ATP and WTA Tours who had “a distinguished record of competitive achievement at the highest international level”, with consideration given to integrity, sportsmanship, and character.
Federer received the news of his upcoming induction from Clijsters during a call, while he was surrounded by junior players at Swiss Tennis. Fellow tennis legends Edberg – who was also Federer’s former coach – Becker, Martina Hingis, and Billie Jean King shared their congratulations.
The eight-time Wimbledon winner said: “It’s a tremendous honour to be inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame and to stand alongside so many of the game’s great champions.
“Throughout my career, I’ve always valued the history of tennis and the example set by those who came before me. It was very special to receive the news at Swiss Tennis, surrounded by the next generation of players — the place where my own journey first began.
“To be recognised in this way by the sport and by my peers is deeply humbling. I look forward to visiting Newport next August to celebrate this special moment with the tennis community.”
Players are considered for the International Tennis Hall of Fame if they have been active as a competitor in tennis within the last 20 years. They cannot have been a significant factor on the tour within five calendar years prior to election.
Even though Federer retired at the Laver Cup, a Ryder Cup-style team tournament he co-created with his agent, his last tour-level singles match came in 2021, making him eligible to be inducted into the Hall of Fame next year.
Federer and the rest of the Class of 2026 will be inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame during an Induction Celebration in Newport, Rhode Island from August 27 to 29 next year. After Williams turned up to celebrate Sharapova’s induction earlier this year, one of Federer’s old rivals could well come to Newport for the occasion.
The 44-year-old came to the French Open earlier this year for a special presentation to honour Nadal’s career and his 14 titles at Roland Garros. And Nadal now has the opportunity to return the favour during the induction ceremony.