Roger Federer tells CNN Sports he’s prepared for happy tears at Hall of Fame induction
Tennis legend Roger Federer reflects on his emotional career as he prepares for his induction into the International Tennis Hall of Fame. He discusses his history of being an emotional player and his gratitude toward his family and team.
Why it matters
Federer is widely considered one of the greatest tennis players of all time, and his induction marks a significant milestone in sports history.
The first time he cried after a big win, Roger Federer says he didn't understand what was happening.
It was 2001 at Wimbledon , and he'd just dethroned the great Pete Sampras on his Centre Court debut.
"I go to my knees, (then) I shake hands with Pete and he's my hero … and these emotions came all over me," he told CNN Sports . "And I was like, 'What is going on?' This is not who I am normally."
From that moment until his tearful farewell in 2022, Federer carved out one of the most remarkable careers in tennis history and became arguably the most famous crier in sports.
Federer cried after winning the Australian Open in 2018. - Saeed Khan/AFP/Getty Images
This weekend the Swiss superstar is being inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame, and it sounds like he's expecting the waterworks to return.
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