Boris Becker and Stefan Edberg join Federer in congratulating him after his hall of Fame election

Roger Federer received high-profile congratulations from fellow tennis legends Boris Becker and Stefan Edberg after his induction into the International Tennis Hall of Fame. The Swiss great joined a video call with his former rivals and friends to celebrate the milestone.

Boris Becker, who won multiple Grand Slam titles, praised Federer for changing the sport. “You really put tennis on a different map,” Becker told him. He added that Federer did not just become one of the greatest players ever, but that he also made tennis attractive to people who previously had little interest in the sport. Becker went further, calling him “the most important sportsman of all time.”

Stefan Edberg, another former world number one, also spoke warmly. He and Federer share a history: Edberg coached the Swiss player for two seasons. The relationship between them goes beyond competition. Edberg’s emotion and respect were evident as he celebrated how Federer elevated the game with his style, grace and sportsmanship.

Billie Jean King also joined in the tribute, offering her congratulations to Federer on his election. For King, Federer’s impact extended beyond match results. She praised his influence both on and off the court, highlighting how his presence drew more attention to tennis and inspired younger generations to pick up a racket.

Federer, for his part, expressed gratitude and humility. During the call he thanked Becker, Edberg and his many other tennis contemporaries for their support and acknowledgement. He said that being recognised by players he respected so deeply made his Hall of Fame moment even more meaningful.

His induction marks a turning point in how the wider world will remember him. While most great athletes are celebrated for titles, Federer also won the hearts of millions. Becker’s words perfectly captured that dual legacy: unparalleled on-court achievement, and a role in globalising tennis.

As Federer joins the Hall of Fame, his list of honours continues to grow. For his peers, however, the most powerful tribute lies in the endorsement from legends who know the sportsman inside and out. Becker, Edberg and King each acknowledged not just Federer’s greatness, but his unique ability to unite people through sport.

For younger fans and aspiring players, those sentiments offer a powerful message. They show that Federer’s impact was not confined to his era — his influence may still be shaping the game’s future.