Roger Federer is preparing to return to the grass courts for a historic weekend celebration. The 20-time Grand Slam champion will officially be inducted into the player category of the International Tennis Hall of Fame on Saturday, August 29, 2026. He will be honored alongside Mary Carillo, a trailblazing broadcaster whom Federer has praised for expanding the sport’s media landscape. Before the Swiss legend steps up to receive his induction, the venue will host a massive exhibition event packed with legendary figures.

The International Tennis Hall of Fame has confirmed a staggering guest list for his induction weekend in Newport, reading like a reunion that spans three generations of the sport. On Friday, August 28, Federer will play on the Newport grass during the Hall of Fame’s Celebrity Pro Classic exhibition doubles event. The impressive roster features a massive collection of iconic players representing multiple eras of tennis dominance.

The legendary exhibition lineup includes Bob and Mike Bryan, John McEnroe, Stefan Edberg, Lleyton Hewitt, Arantxa Sanchez Vicario, Martina Navratilova, and Gabriela Sabatini. The event will also feature two-time major champion Garbine Muguruza, who officially retired from the tour earlier in the year. Beyond the traditional tennis royalty, the doubles tournament will include prominent television personalities and elite athletes from outside the sport.

Rounding out the celebrity doubles teams are television personality Joey Graziadei and comedian Michael Kosta, who is notably a former professional tennis player rather than a skier. Joining them will be celebrated American athlete and multi-time Olympic alpine skier Lindsey Vonn, who will take the chair umpire seat for the special occasion. The incredible turnout reflects the deep respect Federer commands, a feeling that was immediately apparent when he first received the news of his selection.

When Federer finally learned of his induction, the moment carried a profound, full-circle feeling. He was informed via video call while visiting Swiss Tennis in Biel, the exact facility where he started his legendary career. He was surrounded on the call by more than 20 other Hall of Famers, including Stefan Edberg and Boris Becker, the two iconic players he idolized while growing up, prompting an emotional response.

“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,” Federer said during the announcement. “Throughout my career, I’ve always valued the history of tennis and the example set by those who came before me.” His immense appreciation for tennis history will also be celebrated in New York City just days before the Newport ceremony.

Before his Hall of Fame induction in Newport, Roger Federer will also be featured in a special one-night exhibition event at Arthur Ashe Stadium during US Open Fan Week, featuring rivals Andy Roddick, Andre Agassi, and John McEnroe. This rare New York appearance acts as a prelude to the Hall of Fame weekend, bridging the gap between his celebrated career and the US Open tournament buildup. 

The night is headlined as “Roger Federer: An Icon Returns to New York,” taking place on August 25. Tickets are sold out for the event as the guy who won five consecutive US Open titles, the only male player to do so in the Open era, is returning to Arthur Ashe after seven years.

Hall of Fame induction shifted to US Open pipeline

Last year’s inductees, the class of 2025, featured five-time Grand Slam champion Maria Sharapova and 16-time doubles Grand Slam champions Bryan brothers. Their induction marked the first time scheduled on the eve of the US Open rather than standing apart in the tennis calendar. Serena Williams gave a surprise visit to the event to hand over the induction to Sharapova and gave a speech, calling her a “former rival, former fan and forever friend.” 

This year as well, it has continued: the August-to-US Open pipeline, for the second consecutive time. The Swiss Maestro is going to have a busy week with back-to-back events lined up, nothing compared to his playing days. He had recently shared a post on his Instagram, which included several clips of him practicing and hitting balls on the tennis court, hinting at preparation for the upcoming events. 

Even after retirement in 2022, Federer has made a conscious effort to be in touch with the sport.  Earlier this year at the Australian Open, he turned up at Rod Laver Arena to hit with world No. 13 Casper Ruud, the pair playing out a tie-break in front of a packed and delighted crowd nearly seven years after their only competitive meeting, a 2019 French Open contest Federer won in three sets.

28 years after his debut and over 1,500 matches on the tour, the player who transformed the sport in the 21st century is finally being inducted into the Hall of Fame. When a sport’s most accomplished player is being honored, it’s no wonder the guest list is packed with celebrities.