Federer tears up during Tennis Hall of Fame induction

Swiss tennis legend Roger Federer says his induction to the International Tennis Hall of Fame was "not a goodbye" to the game he loves.

Federer, the 20-time major champion, was emotional at the ceremony after being introduced by his wife Mirka.

Broadcaster and journalist Mary Carillo was also inducted, introduced by tennis great Billie Jean King.

An emotional Roger Federer said he was still writing his love letter to the sport that "meant the world" to him as the 20-time Grand Slam champion was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in Newport, Rhode Island.

Federer, ​who was inducted alongside broadcaster and journalist Mary Carillo, reflected on his storied career in a speech that brought him to tears a few times.

"This is one of the greatest honours of my life," Federer said. "They call this the Hall of Fame, but fame was never the goal.

"My goal was to spend my life doing something ​I love … with people who love ‌it as much as I do."

His opening words, after his introduction speech from his wife Mirka, were: "Oh man. This is very high level and a tough act to follow."

He joked: "I don't know if you have been practising secretly" before praising his wife's presentation of the 274th Hall of Famer.

It began to get tough for him about halfway through, when he talked about his childhood hero, Stefan Edberg, when he said these are "happy tears."

Then he was brought to tears again when he spoke about his longtime coach Severin Luthi, before he wanted to thank Mirka for helping him on his journey.

"Now the Mirka part," he said, pausing before breaking into tears. "Oh gosh, this such a mess."

He tried to joke, but the tears took over like a quick return at the net.

"I need tissues and sunglasses, everything to protect me right now," he told the crowd, fighting back more tears.