Newport, R.I.: Roger Federer was brought to tears numerous times during his induction speech at the International Tennis Hall of Fame on Saturday.
As sunset crept in at Newport's grass horseshoe court at the entrance of the Hall, the 45-year-old Federer, dressed in a tan suit, strolled up to the stage for his speech, kissed and hugged his wife, Mirka, who had just introduced him, and realized what a challenge it was going to be.
"Oh man," were the first words from the first man ever to win 20 Grand Slam singles titles. "This is very high level and a tough act to follow."
He joked: "I don't know if you have been practicing secretly" before praising his wife's presentation of the 274th Hall of Famer.
Federer was inducted along with Mary Carillo, a broadcaster and former player, who was presented by Hall of Famer Billy Jean King.
Federer, called the "Swiss Mistro" during the Hall's first red-carpet show, which began on center court about 90 minutes before the start of the induction ceremony, told the crowd that he "was a little stressed to be honest."
