Mirka Federer gave a tear-jerking address as her husband Roger Federer was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in Newport over the weekend. The 48-year-old, who has rarely spoken publicly since the couple met at the 2000 Olympics in Sydney, welcomed the 20-time Grand Slam champion to the podium with a heartfelt speech.
A rare public address
Federer became eligible for the Hall of Fame this year, half a decade after his final official match at Wimbledon and four years after he said farewell to professional tennis at the Laver Cup. The special ceremony took place on Saturday night, with speculation rife over who would introduce him.
Last year, Serena Williams made a special appearance for Maria Sharapova's election, and fans wondered whether Rafael Nadal or Novak Djokovic would turn up for the Swiss star. In the end, it was his wife, herself a former professional tennis player, who gave the emotional introduction.
'Who he is when nobody's watching'
Mirka told Federer and the crowd that she was most proud of "who he is when nobody is watching." She said: "So many people around the world know him as one of the greatest tennis players who ever lived... and those of us who know Roger best, know something even better. The trophies and records are extraordinary but they are only part of his legacy... What makes me proudest is who he is when nobody's watching."
Just before Federer joined her, she concluded: "Tonight, it's my honour to introduce my husband, my best friend and now the newest member of the International Tennis Hall of Fame."
Federer's tribute to Mirka
As Mirka stepped back from the microphone, Federer strode towards her, wrapped his arms around her and planted a kiss before wiping away tears and addressing the crowd himself. He started with a special compliment: "Oh man. She is a good public speaker. I didn't know that."
Later in his speech, Federer paid tribute to Mirka, saying: "Mirka inspires me every day. As you know, Mirka is my wife. Duh. Which is the greatest understatement I can make because she's also been my coach, my hitting partner before matches, and my reality check. Also, my stylist. I definitely needed one at the time. Maybe, I don't know, now."
He added: "Mirka is the person who showed me how to get more focused about tennis and take joy in everything else. A wonderful mother to our four kids who make the impossible happen in all of our lives. She and I grab each other's hands, and we run through walls."
Federer enjoyed an extraordinary 24-year career, winning 103 tour-level titles, including 20 Grand Slam singles titles. He won an Olympic gold medal in doubles with countryman Stan Wawrinka, and helped Switzerland win the Davis Cup.
