Tennis News: Roger Federer’s speech on the night of his induction into the International Tennis Hall of Fame was moving, memorable and full of laughter.
This iconic moment in Newport was the perfect ending to an unforgettable career journey for the superstar who is now 45 years old.
The former world number 1 tennis player joked that his speech might not be finished until the sun rose, considering the many pauses he took to calm himself amidst feelings of emotion that made him shed tears. But in truth, he spoke from the depths of his heart, as he always did.
“It’s incredible to see myself in a place like this, walking down the Hall of Fame, and soaking in the history of this sport. It means a lot to me,” said Federer.
“Reading the stories of my greatest heroes and realizing — truly realizing for the first time — that I have a place here. This is one of the greatest honors of my life.”
The Swiss legend explained that even though he is now part of the Hall of Fame, fame is not his goal. Instead, his goal is to live life doing what he loves.
“We play tennis, we are tennis players. For me, that’s the essence, the spirit of the game itself,” continued Federer.
“Yes, this sport does require hard work and practice. However, the passion for playing is always my main driver. And when hard work and the joy of playing combine, it feels truly extraordinary.”
He invited fans to reminisce about the times in his home country, when he was a ball boy in Basel at the age of 13.
“I was standing near the back wall of the court, hands behind my back, eyes on the ball. I will never forget how the match looked and felt from that position,” Federer recalled.
“The sensation of standing so close to the tennis players, handing them the ball, handing them towels, seeing them sweat, watching them fight it out and find a way to win, all the challenge and intensity. I remember the next morning, my legs felt very weak. Standing all day was really tiring.”
Despite growing up in an environment familiar with various types of sport, tennis was his “main activity”, claims the tennis legend.
“Tennis is an inseparable part of my life. My mother has a full-time job, but she still finds time to take care of the badge making part of the Swiss Indoors tournament and maybe she has made cards for you,” explained Federer.
“He organizes my training schedule, registers me for matches, and supports my coaches. My mother is the one who makes it all happen. Thank you, Mother. She herself also plays tennis at our local club.”
“I also heard that Dad used to play tennis. Just kidding. He is a person who can joke with and likes to tell jokes. Thank you Mom and Dad for all the time you have spent with me on the court.”
Perhaps the most moving moment in the speech for him was when he paid tribute to his wife, Mirka, a figure who he said “inspires me every day”. Mirka was also the one who delivered introductory words to him that evening.
“Mirka is the person who showed me how to focus more on tennis, while enjoying everything else,” said Federer.
“She is an extraordinary mother to our four children, a figure who makes things happen that seem impossible in our lives. We hold each other’s hands and are able to overcome all obstacles. Thank you.”
He emphasized that throughout his career, he “tried as much as possible to remain himself.”
“I try to show my love for this sport. Because it means a lot to me and I want it to mean a lot to all of you,” said Federer.
“To be worthy of your attention and your presence, because people don’t actually have to come to watch us play. They come for entertainment, inspiration and excitement. They could have chosen to go somewhere else, but they chose tennis, they chose us.”
Although he no longer competes, he insists that tennis will always be “at the intersection of everything I care about most.” The sport has been an important part of everything for him, so he’s not saying goodbye.
“The boy from Basel thanks him for this extraordinary honor. And I thank you all for sharing the journey that brought us together,” said Federer.
Article Tag: roger federer
Published by Ligaolahraga.com at https://www.ligaolahraga.com/tenis/roger-federer-terharu-besar-international-tennis-hall-of-fame