“My stylist…a wonderful mother” – Roger Federer bursts into tears during emotional message to wife Mirka at HoF induction
Roger Federer delivered an emotional tribute to his wife Mirka during his induction into the International Tennis Hall of Fame on Saturday, August 29. The former World No. 1 and 20-time major winner’s tribute also included a dash of his signature humor, as he candidly opened up about the numerous instrumental roles Mirka has played in his life over the years.
Federer took to the stage to deliver his induction speech after Mirka introduced him with a stirring speech of her own. The Swiss teared up as Mirka was finishing her speech and he also cried as he got to the part about his beloved wife in his own speech. He began by touching on how Mirka was inspired by the legendary Martina Navratilova and how he is inspired by his wife every day.
“Oh my God, now we’re getting to the Mirka bit. Martina inspired Mirka and Mirka inspires me everyday. As you know, Mirka’s my wife, which is the greatest understatement I can make, but she’s also been my coach, my hitting partner before matches, my reality check, also my stylist, I definitely needed one at the time, maybe I don’t now,” the 45-year-old said.
Going on to touch on Mirka’s role in getting him to take tennis more seriously as well as deriving joy from all other aspects of life, the 103-time career singles titlist added:
“Mirka’s the person who showed me how to get more focused about tennis and take joy in everything else.”
Federer also applauded his wife for being a great mother to their four children, twin daughters Myla Rose and Charlene Riva as well as twin sons Lenny and Leo. Last but not least, the Swiss tennis legend reflected on his and Mirka’s long-lasting togetherness and how they tackle hardships as a team.
“A wonderful mother to our four kids, who makes the impossible happen in all our lives. She and I grab each other’s hands, and we run through walls. Thank you,” the former No. 1 concluded.
“Roger Federer and I met at the Sydney Olympics in 2000” – Swiss’ wife Mirka’s candid admission about the evolution of their relationship
While delivering her speech to officially introduce Roger Federer as an International Tennis Hall of Fame inductee, his wife Mirka candidly revisited the roots of their relationship. Remembering their first meeting as well as the Swiss’ pursuit of her despite being the younger of the two, Mirka said:
She also reflected on being together with Federer for all of his 103 career singles titles, adding:
“When we met, he had exactly zero ATP titles, zero. Looking back, I suppose I was there for all 103 that followed.”
Federer, after struggling with his knees for years, finally hung up his racket at the 2022 Laver Cup, where his greatest rivals Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray were present as the Swiss bid an emotional farewell to his tennis-playing career.
