Mirka Federer Moves Roger to Tears With Rare Speech at Tennis Hall of Fame Induction

Roger Federer received a major career honor when he was officially inducted into the Tennis Hall of Fame in Newport, capped by a rare and emotional public tribute from his wife, Mirka Federer. According to reports from 20min.ch, he was visibly moved on stage and wiped away tears following the heartfelt speech delivered by his longtime partner.

A Rare Public Appearance and a Look Back at Sydney 2000

Mirka Federer, 48, has strictly avoided public media appearances and interviews for nearly 20 years, making an exception only briefly in July 2024 for a documentary surrounding her husband’s retirement. In Newport, however, she stepped up to the podium to honor the Swiss tennis legend. According to 20min.ch, her speech traced their relationship back to its beginnings at the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney, where both competed as tennis professionals.

“Ja, ich war die Ältere. Anscheinend hat Roger sofort beschlossen, dass Alter nur eine Zahl ist,” Mirka recalled during the ceremony, as reported by 20min.ch. “Er hat mich trotzdem umworben, und zum Glück war er hartnäckig!” The couple has remained inseparable for 26 years, marrying in 2009 and sharing four children together.

Supporting Roles and Tour Milestones

During her induction speech, Mirka highlighted the early days of their relationship when the Basel native had yet to claim a single title on the ATP Tour. “Null,” she noted with a smile, according to 20min.ch, recalling how she stood by his side through every professional milestone. She even reminisced about assisting him with pre-match warm-ups early in his career, mentioning an old joke from Andy Roddick after a Cincinnati final regarding her warm-up routines.

That supportive partnership extended far beyond the court. When Mirka was pregnant with their twin daughters and suggested their heavy travel schedule might need to cease, Roger immediately insisted he would stop playing as well. “Er hat nicht übertrieben. Er meinte es ernst,” Mirka stated, per 20min.ch. “So ist Roger eben. Seine Familie steht an erster Stelle.”

A Lasting Legacy Beyond the Trophies

As the induction ceremony concluded, Mirka emphasized that her husband’s tennis is only part of his legacy. “Am stolzesten macht es mich, wer er ist, wenn niemand dabei zuschaut,” she told the audience, according to 20min.ch.

Mirka Federer Moves Roger to Tears With Rare Speech at Tennis Hall of Fame Induction — Photo: 20min.ch

Roger Federer responded with deep gratitude and humor regarding his wife’s unexpected turn at the microphone. “Sie ist gut darin, öffentlich zu sprechen. Das wusste ich ja gar nicht … Das letzte Mal, dass ich sie öffentlich habe sprechen hören, war beim Hopman Cup im Jahr 2000,” Federer remarked after stepping back up to the stage, as reported by 20min.ch. The Hall of Fame induction adds another prestigious chapter to his career.