Roger Federer tells CNN Sports he’s prepared for happy tears at Hall of Fame induction
Tennis legend Roger Federer is set to be inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame this weekend in Newport, Rhode Island. Federer expressed anticipation for the emotional ceremony, reflecting on his storied career and the gratitude he feels toward his family and support team.
Why it matters
Federer is widely considered one of the greatest athletes in history, and his induction marks a formal celebration of his impact on the sport of tennis.
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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