Roger Federer Inducted into International Tennis Hall of Fame in Newport

On a Saturday evening in Newport, Rhode Island, Roger Federer and former professional player and commentator Mary Carillo were honored with induction into the International Tennis Hall of Fame (ITHF). The event was held at the historic Horseshoe Court, attracting hundreds of attendees and thousands more at a watch party on-site. This ceremony wrapped up a series of celebrations, which included the Fit For Fame Blazer Presentation Dinner on Friday, where recipients were awarded custom blue blazers from Brooks Brothers. Federer, a 20-time Grand Slam champion, was introduced by his wife Mirka, who humorously reminisced about his title-less beginnings and praised his character, stating that his impact goes beyond trophies. In his heartfelt speech, he expressed his passion for tennis, recalling his early experiences as a ball boy in Basel and playing mini tennis on chalk-drawn courts. He thanked his family and concluded with, "I'm still writing my love letter to tennis." The ITHF, located in the historic Newport Casino designed by McKim, Mead & White, has significant historical relevance, having hosted early tennis championships and the Newport Jazz Festival, including Bob Dylan's performance in 1963.