Roger Federer will enter the Tennis Hall of Fame, rather deservedly, later this year.
It marks arguably the most justified inclusion in recent memory, and he will enter as the man with the most major titles within that elite group.
Until his official inauguration in August though, it is Pete Sampras who still holds this exclusive title.
And, in rather ironic fashion, the American has now offered some insight to Roger Federer on how he will feel when he is finally inducted.
Roger Federer speaks as he prepares to enter the Tennis Hall of Fame
Speaking to ESPN, the 20-time Grand Slam champion admitted he was excited and honoured at the prospect of his inclusion.
However, he also remained totally unsure about his feelings towards it, as when asked to describe his emotions he admitted: “A little bit of the unknown, to be quite honest.”
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Federer then revealed: “I remember speaking to Sampras about it. I had asked him, ‘How was it for you to get into the Tennis Hall of Fame?’ He goes, like, it’s a moment like no other, Roger. You’ll see it will hit you hard and it will hit home strong and so I’m looking forward to that, you know, too.
“Have my memories play through my head, seeing other legends or icons of the game who have paved the way for us and just being in there in their presence, I think it’s always very inspiring.”
Following his Roland Garros triumph earlier this year, John Isner said whether he felt Alexander Zverev should be inducted into the Tennis Hall of Fame.
How does someone become eligible to be inducted into the Tennis Hall of Fame?
Whilst Federer is more than deserving of his spot in the Tennis Hall of Fame, it could be argued that stars like Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic are even more so given they boast 22 and 24 Grand Slams respectively, more than the Swiss superstar.
However, there is a meticulous process regarding inductions, and neither of these legendary figures fit the bill yet.
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The core rule is that candidates can only be considered after five years away from the tour, with Federer only just becoming eligible following his 2022 retirement.
Nadal did not retire until 2024, and Djokovic remains active.
It is then stated that those inducted are expected to be distinguished in their competitiveness at the highest international level, with consideration given to integrity, sportsmanship, and character.
Players must be nominated and then voted in by a group of roughly 140 tennis journalists, historians, and Hall of Famers, including some fan input.
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