Mirka Federer delivers rare speech to introduce Roger Federer at Tennis Hall of Fame induction ceremony

Roger Federer has officially joined the International Tennis Hall of Fame, wife Mirka marking the occasion with a rare speech to introduce her husband.

The couple met at the Sydney 2000 Olympics when both represented Switzerland.

Mirka’s career was short-lived due to injury but she was a significant presence behind the scenes as Federer became an all-time great.

And so it was fitting that she was invited by her husband to speak at the Newport, Rhode Island event ahead of the US Open.

“It feels a little strange to be the one standing in front of the microphone,” Mirka said.

“Roger was always the one much more comfortable with the racquet in his hand, and I was always more comfortable staying out of the spotlight, so let’s see how this goes.”

The 48-year-old began by thanking Federer, 45, for seeking her out “all those years ago in Sydney”.

“Apparently Roger decided right away that age was just a number. He pursued me anyway and thankfully he was persistent!

“When we met he had exactly zero ATP titles. Zero! Looking back I suppose I was there for all 103 that followed. We shared quite a journey.”

Mirka paid tribute to Federer’s values throughout his life and career.

She said she immediately admired that he always wanted his loved ones to be close to him, and praised his hard work to make tennis look so effortless.

“But tennis was never what impressed me the most. The man behind it all is even more remarkable,” Mirka said.

“He is the most devoted father that our four children could ever ask for. When I found out we were expecting twins, the first time, I told Roger that my travelling days were probably over.

“Without missing a beat he said then I won’t play any more. He wasn’t being dramatic. He meant it. That’s who Roger is — his family comes first.”