Roger Federer Headlines Nominees for the International Tennis Hall of Fame’s Class of 2026

Twenty-time Major champion Roger Federer headlines the nominees for the International Tennis Hall of Fame’s Class of 2026, signaling the start of what promises to be a historic induction year.

In the Player Category, Federer joins Juan Martin del Potro and Svetlana Kuznetsova. Meanwhile, in the Contributor Category, journalist Mary Carillo and tennis administrator Marshall Happer are honored for their impact off the court.

Federer’s Illustrious Career

Roger Federer stands as one of just eight men in history to achieve the Career Grand Slam in singles, cementing his legacy as one of the sport’s true greats. Beyond his 20 Major trophies, he captured 103 career titles and spent 310 weeks at world No. 1, demonstrating a consistency few could match.

More importantly, Federer helped transform the modern era of tennis. He not only elevated the game’s artistry with his graceful style but also bridged the economic gap between tennis and other global sports. While the “GOAT debate” continues, what remains unquestionable is his unmatched influence. Federer’s unique brand of tennis turned him into both an icon and an inspiration, leaving a void that fans still feel today.

Other Nominees: del Potro, Kuznetsova, Carillo & Happer

Alongside Federer, Argentina’s Juan Martin del Potro secures a spot on the ballot. His crowning moment came at the 2009 US Open, where he stunned Federer in an electrifying five-set final. Known as one of the cleanest ball strikers of his generation, del Potro went on to win 22 titles, claim the 2016 Olympic silver medal, and lead Argentina to its first Davis Cup triumph that same year.

Svetlana Kuznetsova of Russia also joins the nominees. A four-time Slam champion, she combined remarkable longevity with competitive grit. Her resume includes the 2004 US Open and 2009 French Open singles titles, as well as two Australian Open doubles trophies. Moreover, she anchored Russia’s Billie Jean King Cup (then Fed Cup) victories on three occasions. By the end of her career, she had collected 18 singles titles, 16 doubles titles, and reached career-high rankings of world No. 2 in singles and No. 3 in doubles.

In the Contributor Category, broadcaster Mary Carillo earns recognition for reshaping tennis coverage. After her own playing career, she became the first woman to consistently call men’s matches–a trailblazing achievement that expanded opportunities for women in sports media. Over decades, she covered hundreds of tournaments and Olympic Games, bringing authenticity and sharp insight to her commentary. In return, she received multiple Emmy and Peabody Awards for her groundbreaking work.

Marshall Happer, on the other hand, is celebrated for transforming men’s tennis governance in the 1980s. As the first administrator of the Men’s Tennis Council, he introduced professional officiating, enforced rules, implemented drug testing, and established a pension fund for players. Consequently, his reforms laid the foundation for today’s ATP Tour, ensuring professionalism and fairness for future generations.

A Historic Class in the Making

With Federer leading the ballot, this year’s nominees highlight both excellence on the court and transformative contributions beyond it. From Slam victories to groundbreaking media work and leadership in governance, each nominee has left a lasting impact on tennis.

Now, with fan voting officially open, supporters worldwide have the chance to make their voices heard as the sport prepares to enshrine its next legends in the International Tennis Hall of Fame.