RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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SportsMoney Federer Enters Tennis Hall Of Fame As Contemporaries Play US Open By Merlisa Lawrence Corbett ,
Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. Merlisa Lawrence Corbett is an award-winning journalist and author. Follow Author Aug 29, 2026, 08:11pm EDT Aug 29, 2026, 08:12pm EDT --:-- / --:-- This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more . This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more . Summary Roger Federer was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame, solidifying his legendary status. Having retired in 2022 at 41, Federer firmly dismissed any notion of a comeback, citing his busy schedule and his body being "done," preferring to enjoy tennis as a fan. Despite being surpassed in Grand Slams by Nadal and Djokovic, Federer is widely regarded as the "greatest loved of all time" due to his class and enduring popularity. He remains the wealthiest of the "Big Three," largely thanks to endorsements, amassing a fortune nearly double Nadal's career earnings. Federer is also deeply committed to his Roger Federer Foundation, which focuses on providing quality education for children. While he hopes to have positively impacted the sport, he currently rules out coaching due to family and other projects, though a Laver Cup captaincy remains a future possibility.
Roger Federer was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame today, along with tennis commentator Mary Carillo. Federer gave an emotional and tearful speech during his induction ceremony in Newport, Rhode Island.
He enters the Hall of Fame while several players from his era are in the main draw of the 2026 U.S. Open.
Since retiring in 2022 , Federer has watched Venus Williams, 46, return from inactive to active and Serena Williams, 44, evolve back into tennis. His compatriot Stan Wawrinka, 41, and friend Gael Monfils, who turns 40 on September 1, are retiring this year, but are also playing in the U.S. Open.
During a press conference leading up to the "Roger Federer: An Icon Returns to New York" night at the U.S. Open, a reporter asked Federer if he ever considered returning to tennis, maybe taking a wildcard to play at the U.S. Open. Federer responded with a definitive no.
"No, no, no, no, no, not at all," Federer said, while laughing. "God, there’s way too many obstacles, and I, I’m too busy. I’m barely finding time to play any exos (exhibitions), you know. So imagine a tour, and the body is done. . . I’m very happy how I'm feeling. So all good, and just a fan now, just enjoying watching."
Federer has approached his retirement the same way he did his playing career, with clarity and class.
Federer's claim to GOAT status slipped away when Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic surpassed him in Majors won. He has a losing record against both. Yet Federer is the GLOAT, greatest loved of all time.
Despite trailing Nadal and Djokovic in Majors and career prize money , Federer outpaced them in endorsements and wealth.
Until recently, Federer was a billionaire , having amassed a fortune almost double what Nadal earned during his career. The only former professional tennis player with a higher net worth than Federer is Ion Tiriac, who made his money in financial services, real estate, autos, and more after his playing career.
“I think the charitable work I think for anyone who’s in it and can donate their time or money or expertise or just have a conversation about it and think how we can always help each other out or mentor, et cetera, I think it’s important,” Federer said at a press conference the day before his induction. “For me, children have always been front and center. How can I inspire the next generation on the tennis court, but also with the Roger Federer Foundation, how much can we make a difference in as many kids’ lives as possible to have quality education in places where maybe that is not always the case?”
"I hope I represented the sport well, that they liked to watch me play or liked watching my highlights down the road," said Federer. "But more so, that maybe I helped drive the sport in the right direction, together with, you know, the leaders of the sport, maybe on the ATP side or with the slams."
During the Hall of Fame weekend interview, Patrick McEnroe asked Federer if he'd consider coaching, like Andy Murray, Andre Agassi and Boris Becker have done.
"I guess with Laver Cup down the road maybe the captain role is definitely something I could consider, for sure," said Federer. “Coaching at the minute, no, just because I’m too busy, and kids need my undivided attention. Plus, I have too many projects. I love my time and my life with my wife, so I don’t want to change that at the minute, but never say never.”
Djokovic congratulated Federer on his induction into the Hall of Fame in a video tribute played during the U.S. Open.
"What you have achieved, what you represented and still represent for the sport of tennis and sport in general is something truly incredible and remarkable," Djokovic said. "Thank you for being such a great ambassador for our sport. Hopefully you will have an amazing day with your family, celebrating your amazing career."
Soon, Djokovic, Wawrinka, Venus and Serena will be back on the court at the U.S. Open. Meanwhile, Federer’s legacy is on permanent display in the Tennis Hall of Fame, awaiting their arrival.
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