Former US tennis star Andy Roddick has responded with his trademark sarcastic wit to the announcement that his old rival, the legendary Roger Federer, will be inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame.
A Tongue-in-Cheek Reaction
The news broke that Roger Federer, the Swiss maestro with 20 Grand Slam titles and 103 ATP-level victories to his name, will be formally inducted in a ceremony in Rhode Island, United States, next August. The 44-year-old, who retired in 2022, becomes eligible for the accolade for the first time this year.
Roddick, who faced Federer in several epic battles including the 2004 and 2005 Wimbledon finals, could not resist a playful jab. On his 'Served Media' podcast, the 43-year-old American feigned shock at the development.
"You know what I was shocked about just before we get into this list? You know what I was stunned about this week?" Roddick asked his audience. "Something happened this week. Floored me. Federer got voted into the Hall of Fame. On the first ballot."
He then quipped about the voting process, wondering aloud, "Only one person voted against it, and I'm sure I don't know who it is. I don't know, undeserving?"
A Rivalry Forged in Respect
Roddick's sarcastic commentary, however, belies a deep and long-standing respect for his former adversary. Following his heartbreaking defeat to Federer in the 2005 Wimbledon final, Roddick's post-match comments went viral for their candid admiration.
"I just said, 'Congratulations.' There's not much else to say," Roddick recalled. "I have loads of respect for him, as a person as well. I told him, I've told him before, 'I'd love to hate you, but you're really nice.'"
This moment perfectly encapsulated the one-sided nature of their rivalry, where Roddick's fierce competitive spirit was consistently met with Federer's unparalleled skill and gracious sportsmanship.
Federer's Humble Acceptance
The induction news was delivered to Federer at Swiss Tennis, the very institution where he honed his skills as a young player. He was welcomed into the exclusive club, which currently has 270 members, via a video call with several existing Hall of Famers.
Federer, one of only eight men to achieve a career Grand Slam, expressed his gratitude. "It's a tremendous honour to be inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame and to stand alongside so many of the game's great champions," he stated.
"Throughout my career, I've always valued the history of tennis and the example set by those who came before me. To be recognised in this way by the sport and by my peers is deeply humbling. I look forward to visiting Newport next August to celebrate this special moment with the tennis community."
While the debate over the Greatest of All Time (GOAT) between Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic continues to rage among fans, his place among the sport's immortals in Newport is now officially and deservedly secure.
