Roger Federer and Mary Carillo Inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame
The 20-time major champion and trailblazing journalist were presented with the Ultimate Honor in Tennis during a multi-day Induction Celebration weekend in Newport, R.I.
20-time major champion Roger Federer and renowned broadcaster Mary Carillo were formally inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame this evening, forever cementing their legacy and impact on the sport of tennis.
Family, friends, fans, and 33 Hall of Famers joined in on the weekend celebrations honoring Federer and Carillo, as they become the 271st and 272nd legends inducted into the Hall of Fame.
Federer is one of only eight men in tennis history to achieve a career Grand Slam in singles and was the first male player in tennis history to win 20 major singles titles. He held the world No. 1 ranking for a record 237 consecutive weeks, ultimately holding that spot for 310 total weeks throughout his career.
Federer reflected on his historic career and his "Hall of Fame" support from his family and fellow legends of the game.
“It's been an incredible journey. For me, the International Tennis Hall of Fame provides a great opportunity to look back but also look ahead. As you can tell I'm still writing my love letter to tennis." Federer said. “My time as a player is done, but tennis will always stand at the intersection of everything I care most about."
Ahead of taking the stage, Federer was introduced by his wife, Mirka, who offered an emotional tribute to her husband, noting the work, hours, discipline and commitment she witnessed behind the scenes that went in to making his historic wins look so easy. As noted by Roger later on in the ceremony, the last time Mirka spoke publicly was “probably at our mixed doubles we played at the Hopman Cup 24 years ago.” Mirka commented, “What makes me proudest isn’t what Roger accomplished when the world was watching. It’s who he was when nobody is watching.”
American sportscaster and former player Mary Carillo was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in the Contributor Category, which recognizes true pioneers, visionary leaders, or individuals who have made a transcendent impact on the sport of tennis. A trailblazer in sports media, Carillo became the first woman to regularly commentate on tennis, including men’s matches. She has covered hundreds of events for major networks, won multiple Peabody and Emmy Awards and was inducted into the Sports Broadcasting Hall of Fame in 2018.
Ahead of receiving this ultimate honor in tennis, Mary was introduced by her friend, 39-time major champion and Hall of Famer Billie Jean King.
Carillo delivered a touching speech that acknowledged her fellow journalists and memories from across her career. She even recited a touching poem, nodding to the greatest rivalries in the history of the sport.
"Matches get played. Memories get made. Stories get told and laughs sure get laughed. The years pass and athletes know better than anyone that you can't stop the tide," Carillo said. "So, enjoy the ride. I've been blessed to take mine with so many good people, and that is the best thing I could dream for anybody."
Tonight’s ceremony was preceded by the International Tennis Hall of Fame's first-ever Red Carpet Pre-Show, taking place on the ITHF's sold-out Stadium Court, featuring Q&A's with Hall of Famers and celebrities, including: Roger Federer, Mary Carillo, Lleyton Hewitt, John McEnroe, Andy Roddick, Stan Smith, Billie Jean King, Stefan Edberg, Martina Navratilova, Mary Pierce, Tommy Haas, Mats Wilander, Jim Courier, Bob and Mike Bryan, Pam Shriver, Tracey Austin, Arantxa Sánchez-Vicario, Kim Clijsters, Lindsay Vonn, Joey Graziadei, Michael Kosta and more.
