Roger Federer is back in the news, and this time it isn’t about his one-handed backhand or yet another comeback. This Swiss legend has just made it to the ballot of the International Tennis Hall of Fame Class of 2026. Many find it both clear and unbelievable: clear because of his impressive tennis history, but unbelievable because fans can’t picture the Hall of Fame without him. However, as it has always been with Federer, the discussion soon turns to both admiration and mockery.
Because what are the numbers of Federer without being the material of sports mythology? Five seasons ended at world No. 1. A record 237 consecutive weeks spent there, unmoved. A Davis Cup victory that finally brought national glory to Switzerland in 2014. Olympic gold with Stan Wawrinka on his shoulder in 2008. It is a list worthy, but the real magic was never counting achievements. It’s about how he changed the sport while doing it.
Roger Federer made the win more of a performance art. He captured 20 Grand Slams in singles, the first man to do so. The elegance of a tennis racket in Federer’s hands keeps him a must-watch athlete on TV. When Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic came into the party, the Swiss maestro’s greatness didn’t take a hit; it only fueled the competition. They collectively provided tennis with its most iconic era. Moreover, there are other worthy contenders for the grand prize this time. Nonetheless, the Hall of Fame list isn’t a one-man show.
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Two-time Slam champ Svetlana Kuznetsova is there. Juan Martín del Potro, remembered forever for toppling giants at the 2009 U.S. Open in a Dirk Nowitzki-like NBA title run, makes the list. Broadcaster Mary Carillo and administrator Marshall Happer stand in the contributor’s column. Still, the conversation circles back to Federer, whose wins rank only behind Jimmy Connors in the Open Era.
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This raises the question: In 2026, is this a debate or merely the final chapter in Roger Federer’s inevitable march into immortality? Let’s hear it from fans!
Fans joke about losses amid Roger Federer’s Hall of Fame spot
One fan joked, “Do you think he’ll get in? Has quite a few career losses.” Sarcasm aside, everyone knows Roger Federer’s induction is inevitable. The man left the game with 1,251 wins against 275 losses- an 82% clip – trailing only Jimmy Connors’ all-time record of 1,274. With Djokovic (1,168 and climbing) and Nadal (1,091) still chasing, Federer’s place among the legends is already secure. And the hardware: 103 single ATP championships, 20 Grand Slams, and over 157 career finals. He crushed Top-10 rivals 224 times, won more than $130M in prize money, and made it all look like tennis on fast-forward. Fans are welcome to make fun, but history has already answered the question.
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Fans had their fun when Roger Federer’s Hall of Fame nomination dropped. One quipped, “Wonder if he will make it…? 😆.” Another piled on: “He’ll never win 😂😂😂.” A third went full deadpan: “He’ll never win 😂😂😂.” And one more joked, “I don’t think he’ll be voted in.” Naturally, we all understand that it is mere sarcasm; the legacy of Federer is not debatable. Need proof? On September 23 in London, Federer decided to step away from the game. He wasn’t alone, sharing the court side‑by‑side with Rafael Nadal for one final doubles match. They lost a thrilling contest to Jack Sock and Frances Tiafoe 6-4, 6–7 (2-7), 9-11. Nor was the score so much as the symbolism: two competitors-now-brothers bringing an era to a close together.
In the same match, Roger Federer looked good in his Team Europe blue jacket, clean white shorts, and On-Running shoes by UNIQLO. That latter kit is now displayed in the International Tennis Hall of Fame, along with his retirement letter. According to Hall of Fame CEO Dan Faber, “When you think about this golden era of who’s going to be inducted coming up in the next five to ten years, it’s perfect timing.”
One fan nailed it with a line that pretty much ends the debate: “Roger won’t be in the Hall of Fame. He is the Hall of Fame.” Another chimed in: “It’s like asking, is the sky blue? Never a doubt he’d be nominated.” Funny, yes, but also true. Even though the official inductees will be announced in November, the fans still have a part to play. Actually, the Fan Vote, which is conducted annually, is currently active until Friday, October 10, providing Roger Federer supporters (as well as the supporters of the other nominees) with an opportunity to cast their vote.
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The Player Category is the only kind of vote that counts, and the three vote-getters receive bonus points to the Official Voting Group. The first place will fetch three points, the second place gets two, and the third receives one point. Likewise, the nominee must reach 75% combined approval to make it in.
It is difficult to disagree with Federer and his resume: 13 Sportsmanship Awards, and an unprecedented 19 years in a row as ATP Fans’ Favourite: the outcome is predetermined. Nevertheless, when tennis history had to teach something, it is this: there is no force as great as fans who can close the story.