Roger Federer has officially joined the International Tennis Hall of Fame, wife Mirka marking the occasion with a rare speech to introduce her husband before the Swiss legend broke down repeatedly in his own address.
The couple met at the Sydney 2000 Olympics when both represented Switzerland.
Mirka’s career was short-lived due to injury but she was a significant presence behind the scenes as Federer became an all-time great.
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And so it was fitting that she was invited by her husband to speak at the Newport, Rhode Island event ahead of the US Open.
“It feels a little strange to be the one standing in front of the microphone,” Mirka said.
“Roger was always the one much more comfortable with the racquet in his hand, and I was always more comfortable staying out of the spotlight, so let’s see how this goes.”
The 48-year-old began by thanking Federer, 45, for seeking her out “all those years ago in Sydney”.
“He was 18, I was 21. Yes, I was the older woman. Apparently Roger decided right away that age was just a number. He pursued me anyway and thankfully he was persistent!” Mirka said.
“When we met he had exactly zero ATP titles. Zero! Looking back I suppose I was there for all 103 that followed. We shared quite a journey.”
Mirka paid tribute to Federer’s values throughout his life and career.
She said she immediately admired that he always wanted his loved ones to be close to him, and praised his hard work to make tennis look so effortless.
“But tennis was never what impressed me the most. The man behind it all is even more remarkable,” Mirka said.
“He is the most devoted father that our four children could ever ask for. When I found out we were expecting twins, the first time, I told Roger that my travelling days were probably over.
“Without missing a beat he said then I won’t play any more. He wasn’t being dramatic. He meant it. That’s who Roger is — his family comes first.”
Federer’s decision to have Mirka introduce him gave her a moment in the spotlight after years only appearing in the players box despite having such a huge role in his career.
The couple had their four children on hand, with Federer’s parents in the front row.
“Robert and Lynette raised a champion and they raised a genuinely good person,” Mirka said, leaving Lynette unable to hold back the tears.
Mirka choked up as she concluded her speech.
“Watching your career gave me one of the greatest privileges and joys of my life,” she said.
“Sharing your life has been even a greater one. And tonight it’s my honour to introduce my husband, my best friend, and now the newest member of the International Tennis Hall of Fame.”
Federer was still wiping tears away as he received his trophy from Mirka before beginning his own 28-minute speech.
“Oh, man. She’s a good public speaker. I didn’t know that,” he said.
“Maybe the last time I heard Mirka speak publicly was probably at our mixed doubles we played together at the Hopman Cup, 24 years ago maybe.
“After one of our mixed doubles we had to do an interview, maybe that was the last time she spoke publicly. This was very well done, I don’t know if you’ve been secretly practising.
“But this is a very high level and a tough act to follow but I’m so happy you did it. Thank you so much.”
The Australian connection continued as Federer thanked fellow Hall of Famer Fred Stolle for conducting that interview in Perth.
Federer teared up several times but composed himself again to thank Mirka later in his speech.
Federer, who was inducted alongside Mary Carillo, paid tribute to ‘my own Hall of Fame’ — running through various mentors before finishing with Mirka.
He teared up instantly as he thanked Ivan Ljubicic for his impact as coach in the latter stages of his career.
“Oh, it’s getting tough now. I thought it was going to be easy, this one,” he said.
Federer broke down entirely when he got to Severin Luthi, who coached him for 18 years.
“His role in my life is even bigger than that number. He motivated me when I needed motivating, and he protected me when I needed protecting,” he said.
“We’ll get through this, I promise. Until the sun rises, guys.”
He struggled again as he brought up his physios and doctors, laughing to get himself back.
“I thought I was doing so well,” he said.
Federer thanked his early coaches Australian Peter Carter, his influential childhood mentor who died aged 37 in 2002, and Peter Lundgren, who died in 2024.
He also even teared up again when he said it was a privilege to share the court with Pete Sampras.
“I need tissues, I need sunglasses, I need everything to protect me right now. Oh, man. OK. Now we’re getting to the Mirka bit,” he laughed.
“This is such a mess.”
Federer said Mirka “inspires me every day”.
“You know Mirka, my wife, duh, which is the greatest understatement I can make,” he said.
“She’s also been my coach, my hitting partner before matches and my reality check. My stylist, I definitely needed one at the time.
“Mirka’s the person who showed me how to get more focused about tennis and take joy in everything else.
“A wonderful mother to our four kids, who make the impossible happen in all our lives.
“She and I grab each other’s hands and we run through walls. She’s all of these things, and that’s my Hall of Fame.”
