Federer receives Hall of Fame ring at US Open's Arthur Ashe Stadium
Synopsis
Roger Federer's return to Arthur Ashe Stadium was never going to be quiet. Two days after his Hall of Fame induction in Newport, the 20-time Grand Slam champion received his ring before a packed US Open crowd — a moment that drew a standing ovation and marked a full-circle celebration of the most decorated career in men's tennis.
Key Takeaways
Roger Federer received his International Tennis Hall of Fame ring at Arthur Ashe Stadium during the US Open on Tuesday .
1 Kim Clijsters , Hall of Fame Co-President, presented the ring before a packed crowd.
Federer was formally inducted on Saturday in Newport , alongside broadcaster Mary Carillo .
His career spanned 103 tour titles , 20 Grand Slams , and 310 weeks as ATP World No.
Earlier in the week, Federer played an exhibition set against Andy Roddick as part of the ATP No.
1 Club event in New York.
Roger Federer returned to the grandest stage in tennis on Tuesday as the Swiss legend received his International Tennis Hall of Fame ring at Arthur Ashe Stadium during the US Open, two days after his formal induction ceremony in Newport. The moment drew a standing ovation from a packed crowd, marking one of the most celebrated homecomings in recent tennis memory.
The Ring Presentation
Former World No. 1 and International Tennis Hall of Fame Co-President Kim Clijsters — herself inducted in 2017 — presented Federer with the ring on court. The 20-time Grand Slam champion held up his hand to display the honour before punching the air in celebration as the Arthur Ashe crowd rose in unison.
'What a pleasure to be back in New York. 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 Hall of Fame, it gave me a chance to look back at all the incredible people that have helped me along the way, the game I love so much and what it gave me,' Federer said, according to the ATP.
A Career Cemented in History
Federer was inducted into the Hall of Fame alongside former American player and broadcaster Mary Carillo on Saturday. His career produced 103 tour-level titles, 20 Grand Slam trophies, and a record 310 weeks at the top of the ATP rankings — figures that place him firmly among the sport's all-time greats.
His New York visit had already included a return to competitive action the previous week, when he featured in an exhibition match as part of the ATP No. 1 Club. Federer played a set against Andy Roddick before teaming up with John McEnroe to face Roddick and Andre Agassi.
Shelton Steals a Win on the Same Night
Earlier on the same evening, Federer watched American Ben Shelton recover from a difficult opening set to defeat Tallon Griekspoor 1-6, 6-1, 7-6(3), 6-2 and advance to the second round at Flushing Meadows. The victory extended a strong run for Shelton, who had successfully defended his ATP Masters 1000 title in Canada less than three weeks prior.
What the Night Meant
For Federer, however, the evening was less about the scoreboard and more about closure — a return to the stadium where he had crafted countless memories, this time to receive the sport's formal recognition of a career that will endure in tennis lore. The Hall of Fame ring caps a post-retirement journey that has seen the Swiss maestro honoured across the world's most storied tennis venues.
Point of View
The induction, the ring ceremony all form a carefully choreographed farewell tour that no other player of his generation has managed with quite the same grace. The question the sport must now confront is whether the post-Federer era — dominated by power and athleticism — can generate the same crossover cultural appeal that filled stadiums and broadcast slots for two decades.
NationPress
1 Sept 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the International Tennis Hall of Fame ring that Federer received?
The International Tennis Hall of Fame ring is a formal honour presented to inductees of the Hall of Fame, which recognises the greatest contributors to the sport of tennis. Federer received his ring at Arthur Ashe Stadium during the US Open, two days after his official induction ceremony in Newport on Saturday.
When was Roger Federer inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame?
Roger Federer was officially inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame on Saturday, alongside former American player and broadcaster Mary Carillo. He received his induction ring at Arthur Ashe Stadium on Tuesday during the US Open.
Who presented Federer with his Hall of Fame ring?
Former World No. 1 and International Tennis Hall of Fame Co-President Kim Clijsters — herself inducted in 2017 — presented Federer with the ring on court at Arthur Ashe Stadium before a packed US Open crowd.
What are Roger Federer's career achievements?
Federer won 20 Grand Slam titles and 103 tour-level titles across his career, spending 310 weeks as the ATP World No. 1. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest tennis players of all time.
What else did Federer do during his New York visit?
Federer played an exhibition set against Andy Roddick as part of an ATP No. 1 Club event, before teaming with John McEnroe to face Roddick and Andre Agassi. He also watched Ben Shelton's opening-round US Open win over Tallon Griekspoor before receiving his Hall of Fame ring.
