Tennis fans worldwide were caught by surprise as Roger Federer and Juan Martin del Potro were officially named among the nominees for the International Tennis Hall of Fame 2026.
Federer, one of the sport’s most decorated champions, is the first man in history to win 20 Grand Slam singles titles.
Meanwhile, Del Potro, the beloved former US Open champion, has also secured his place on the ballot.
Federer, often credited with reshaping the sport’s modern era, will now have his legacy celebrated in a different way.
“He is one of only eight men to win at least one singles trophy from each of the sport’s four majors,” organizers highlighted.
That rare achievement was completed in 2009 when he triumphed at Roland Garros, the missing piece of his career Grand Slam.
However, the ballot is not only about Federer and Del Potro.
Four-time Grand Slam champion Svetlana Kuznetsova has also been nominated in the Player Category.
Her two singles majors the 2004 US Open and 2009 French Open earned her recognition, along with her doubles triumphs.
The competition for induction has therefore taken on an even more compelling shape.
In addition, the Contributor Category will feature two notable figures: TV announcer Mary Carillo and tennis administrator Marshall Happer.
Federer’s inclusion, though expected by some, has still felt surreal for fans. With eight Wimbledon titles, six Australian Open wins, five US Open trophies, and one French Open crown, his career remains unmatched in elegance and consistency.
Moreover, his rivalry with Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic is seen as the golden age of tennis.
Del Potro, on the other hand, is remembered for his powerful forehand and emotional resilience.
His 2009 US Open title run, which included a win over Federer in the final, cemented his place in tennis history.
The announcement of the International Tennis Hall of Fame 2026 inductees is scheduled for November.
