Roger Federer’s induction ceremony into the International Tennis Hall of Fame featured a particularly heartwarming moment as his wife, Mirka, took the stage to introduce him.
In a heartfelt and moving speech, Mirka reflected on the 20-time Grand Slam champion’s legacy while shedding light on his life beyond his remarkable career. She spoke fondly of Federer’s life with her and their four children, along with a touching tribute to his parents.
What Mirka Federer Said at Roger Federer’s Hall of Fame InductionFederer recently stole the spotlight at the US Open with his “Roger Federer: An Icon Returns to New York” exhibition, dazzling fans with his return to the court at Arthur Ashe Stadium. He enjoyed the support of his wife, Mirka, their children, and his parents in the stands during the special occasion.
The support continued in Newport, Rhode Island, as the Swiss legend’s family joined him for his induction into the International Tennis Hall of Fame. One year after Serena Williams introduced Maria Sharapova at her induction ceremony, Mirka took the stage to do the honors for her husband.
Mirka reminisced about her first meeting with Federer at the 2000 Sydney Olympics, reflecting on how she had witnessed his journey from having no titles to his name to becoming a 20-time Grand Slam champion with 103 tour-level trophies.
“Roger and I met at the Sydney Olympics in 2000. He was 18 and 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. When we met, he had exactly zero ATP titles, zero. Looking back, I suppose I was there for all 103 that followed,” Mirka said.
Mirka also revealed that the former world No. 1 had been ready to give up his career in 2009 when they learned they were expecting their twin daughters, Myla Rose and Charlene. At the time, concerns arose over how Mirka would be able to continue traveling with him on tour while raising their children.
“He’s the most devoted father that our four children could ever ask for. When I found out we were expecting twins for the first time. I told Roger that my traveling days were probably over. Without missing a beat, he said, then I don’t want to. Then I won’t play anymore. He wasn’t being dramatic. He meant it. That’s who Roger is. His family comes first,” she said.
However, the couple found a way to make life on the road work, with their twin sons, Leo and Lenny, later joining them on their travels as well. Despite his busy tennis career, Mirka highlighted how Federer made the effort to balance being a devoted father and husband.
“The tennis tour has always been our home, our children Myla, Charlene, Leo and Lenny know him as Papa. The Papa who read bedtime stories, played games with them, who ran their baths, made them laugh. No matter how busy he was, whether he won or lost, he always made time for them,” she added. “I know him always as the kind husband, funny, thoughtful and endlessly supportive.”
She credited Federer’s “incredible” parents, Robert and Lynette, for raising him to be a “genuinely good person.” Mirka further emphasized that what made her proudest was not the accomplishments the 45-year-old achieved on the court, but rather the person he was when no one was watching.
“They taught him humility, gratitude, and kindness, and they taught him to treat everyone with the same respect,” Mirka said. “So many people around the world know Roger as one of the greatest tennis players who ever lived. They know the titles, the records, the elegance, the rivalries, the victories, the moments that became part of tennis history.”
“And those of us who know Roger best know something even better. The trophies and records are extraordinary, but they are only part of his legacy. What makes me proudest isn’t what Roger accomplished when the world was watching. It’s who he is when nobody is watching,” she continued.
The couple then shared a loving hug and a kiss as Roger Federer took the stage after Mirka’s heartwarming speech, with the 20-time Grand Slam champion appearing visibly emotional as he thanked her for her words.
This article originally appeared on Pro Football Network.
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