Roger Federer’s induction into the International Tennis Hall of Fame is a clear-cut case of ‘not if, but when’, as verified by a host of the Swiss great’s former rivals on the ATP Tour.
“Roger, congratulations for your [induction] to the Hall of Fame,” Novak Djokovic, one of Federer’s most fierce Lexus ATP Head2Head rivals, said in a tribute video. “We all knew this day was going to come sooner or later, and I don’t think anybody deserves this more than you.”
Federer won 20 Grand Slam titles and spent 310 weeks atop the PIF ATP Rankings in a glittering 24-year career at the top level. For Djokovic, himself one of the greatest to play the game, the impact of the Swiss on tennis is clear.
“What you have achieved, what you represented and still represent for the sport of tennis and sport in general is something truly incredible and remarkable,” the Serbian said. “Thank you for being such a great ambassador for our sport. Hopefully you will have an amazing day with your family, celebrating your amazing career.”
Two other players whose respective careers crossed over with much of Federer’s are Gael Monfils and Grigor Dimitrov. The 39-year-old Monfils, who will himself retire this year, contested 14 tour-level meetings with Federer between 2006 and 2019.
“You’ve been such a big legend and definitely inspired so many people, myself as well,” Monfils said. “Just enjoy and I’ll see you very soon on the golf course.”
The 35-year-old Dimitrov added: “To me, you’ve always been a Hall of Famer, I think since day one when I saw you play. An amazing example, on and off the court, and truly an inspiration of mine.
“I feel we’ve had so many nice memories, on and off the court, and it goes back to when we played an exhibition at Madison Square Garden and flew together to Indian Wells. I remember reading for your little girls when they were young, so I’ve always felt very embraced from you and your whole family.”
Federer spent a record 237 consecutive weeks as World No. 1 from 2004 to 2008, but he was still challenging for the biggest prizes in tennis as late as 2019. Current World No. 4 Felix Auger-Aliassime was part of a new generation emerging in the late 2010s that could not help but feel Federer’s aura.
“I was personally very lucky to be invited when I was 17 to practise with you and we had a great time,” Auger-Aliassime said. “I learned a lot and over the years you’ve always been very good with sharing with the younger generation, so I want to thank you for that personally. Thank you for everything you did for our sport, thank you for growing it, and thank you for all the highlights and hot shots that you produced over the years.”
Alexander Zverev added: “Roger, what a surprise you’ve made it to the Hall of Fame!... You were the player I was always looking up to when I was growing up and favourite player to watch. To then of course competing against each other, it was always fun to be on court with you and spending time outside the court with you as well. I’m very happy for you and congratulations again for being in the Hall of Fame.”
Meanwhile Daniil Medvedev, who did not beat Federer in their three tour-level meetings but joined him as a member of the ATP No. 1 Club in 2022, jokingly recalled one time he was happy NOT to have played the Swiss.
“Congrats on being inducted to the Hall of Fame,” Medvedev said, speaking at the Cincinnati Open. “I think no surprise to anyone! Since I’m in Cincinnati doing this message, thanks a lot for losing to Andrey Rublev here once and giving me the chance to win my first Masters 1000 title. Thank you very much, I appreciate it!”
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