Tennis star, Roger Federer, is set to become the first member of tennis’ iconic ‘Big Three’ to be inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame, BBC Sport reports.
The 44-year-old Swiss retired in 2022 after claiming 103 ATP-level titles, placing him just behind Jimmy Connors, who won 109 during the Open era.
Federer was the first man to reach 20 Grand Slam singles titles, a milestone since surpassed by his ‘Big Three’ rivals Novak Djokovic (24) and Rafael Nadal (22). He is also one of only eight men in history to achieve a career Grand Slam.
The news was delivered to Federer at Swiss Tennis, the club where he honed his game as a youngster, with a video call welcoming him from some of the 270 current Hall of Fame members.
“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.
“Throughout my career, I’ve always valued the history of tennis and the example set by those who came before me.~
“To be recognised 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.”
Federer’s induction is scheduled for the weekend of 27-29 August next year, with the ceremonies taking place in Newport, Rhode Island, USA.
