Roger Federer may be retired, but his presence is truly one that continues to light up the sport. Even back in 2012, after clinching his seventh Wimbledon title, the Swiss maestro kept his feet on the ground. He said, “I don’t feel better than anyone, because we need past champions to pave the way for our generation and we have become very professional.” Still, today’s top players often talk about him as their ultimate idol. Now, three years after his retirement, he’s finally getting his flowers.

On Wednesday, Tennis Channel sent fans into a frenzy. They tweeted the big announcement: Federer will be inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame. Along with this came a flood of stats and memories for fans to soak up. Twenty Grand Slams. Eight Wimbledon titles, the most ever by a man. Just seeing those numbers reminds everyone why Federer is a legend.

No one is shocked by this news. From 2001 to 2019, he seemed to own the tennis court. Injuries eventually caught up to him, forcing him to retire in 2022. Yet his achievements remain simply jaw-dropping. Federer racked up a jaw-dropping 103 tour-level titles. Only Jimmy Connors has more, with 109

Roger Federer’s trophy cabinet tells its own story. He captured 20 Grand Slam trophies. He grabbed 28 ATP Masters 1000 crowns. From 2004 to 2008, he spent 237 consecutive weeks as world No. 1, a record no one has touched in either the ATP or WTA. In total, he held the top spot for 310 weeks, across nine different years: 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2012, and 2018.

Federer set records in streaks that no player has ever matched. He ruled Wimbledon for five straight years from 2003 to 2007. Then he turned around and did the same at the US Open from 2004 to 2008. His Grand Slam haul sparkles: six Australian Opens, eight Wimbledons, five US Opens, and that sweet, career-defining Roland Garros title in 2009. And it didn’t stop there. He won six ATP Finals titles between 2003 and 2011. Only Novak Djokovic has more, with seven.

Watching Federer on court was nothing short of magic. His sophisticated backhand slice, smooth footwork, and clinical precision left fans and opponents amazed. He hammered 11,478 aces throughout his career – third-most since the ATP started tracking serves in 1991, behind only John Isner and Ivo Karlovic. Every appearance on court felt like a masterclass, with Federer making tennis look beautifully effortless.

Riger Federer’s greatness runs deeper than numbers. He set the gold standard in sportsmanship. He clinched the Stefan Edberg Sportsmanship Award 13 times between 2004 and 2009 and again from 2011 to 2017. Only Rafael Nadal interrupted the streak in 2010. All told, Federer has a record of 40 ATP Awards on his shelf.

Now, he’s joining the legends of the past to take away the highest honor in sports, and it goes without saying that he’s thrilled about it!

Roger Federer’s reaction to his induction into the International Tennis Hall of Fame.

Federer got the call from fellow Hall of Famers Stefan Edberg and Boris Becker, two of his early inspirations, with the fantastic news. He said, “It’s a tremendous honor to be inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame and to stand alongside so many of the game’s great champions.”

He wrapped up an epic 24-year career in September 2022 after the Laver Cup, retiring at age 41 following persistent knee injuries. Despite the physical challenges, he played over 1,500 matches without ever quitting mid-match due to injury, making his farewell a truly memorable moment in tennis. Additionally, Roger Federer received his Hall of Fame news at Swiss Tennis, right where his journey began, surrounded by the next wave of talent. In his own words:

“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 recognized 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.”

This moment feels like a perfect full circle for a player who gave so much to tennis and continues to be an inspiring figure in the sport today. Wouldn’t you say?