This past week in tennis might as well have been “Roger Federer Week” in tennis.
From last Tuesday through this Monday, Federer has been all over the place — well, at least if you consider New York (twice) and Newport “all over the place.”
It started with “Roger Federer: An Icon Returns to New York” during U.S. Open Fan Week. The five-time U.S. Open champion played a set of singles against Andy Roddick and then partnered John McEnroe for a set of doubles against Roddick and Andre Agassi. To the surprise of no one, Federer emerged victorious in both matches — 6-3 over Roddick in singles and 7-5 over Roddick and Agassi in doubles. Yes, the Swiss has still go it. I’m not saying he could go out there and compete for the real U.S. Open title right now, but…well…maybe he could!
“It’s great to be back in New York,” Federer commented. “I have incredible memories, obviously, of this court, of the fans here, of the city.”
And why not? He lifted the trophy here in 2004, 2006, 2006, 2007, and 2008.
Those five titles are just some of the reasons why Federer was inducted into the Tennis Hall of Fame last weekend. That’s what took the Maestro to Newport, Rhode Island. He was inducted along with commentator Mary Carillo after getting introduced by his wife. All of the speeches were A+ material, including Federer’s, Carillo’s, and Mirka’s.
“I’m thrilled to have made the journey here,” the 45-year-old told a throng of fellow legends. “It’s amazing to see yourself in a place like this. To immerse yourself in the history of the sport means a lot to me.”
Federer then made the journey back to New York. Destination: Monday’s U.S. Open night session. The festivities in Arthur Ashe Stadium began with Ben Shelton’s four-set defeat of Tallon Griekspoor. In between that match and the nightcap between Naomi Osaka and Anastasia Zakharova, Federer received his Hall of Fame ring in front of a packed house. Kim Clijsters introduced Federer, who then gave another speech.
“What a pleasure to be back in New York,” he assured. “The trip, playing out here last Tuesday with the legends, getting the chance to thank everybody who has always supported me here in New York has been incredible…. Getting inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame, it gave me a chance to look back at all the incredible people who have helped me along the way, the game I love so much, and what it gave me.”
Ricky contributes to 10sballs.com and also maintains his own tennis website, The Grandstand. You can follow him on Twitter at @Dimonator.