Tears of joy as 'Fed Express' rolls into Hall of Fame

Roger Federer was brought to tears numerous times during his induction speech at the International Tennis Hall of Fame.

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 realised 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."

"I don't know if you have been practising secretly," he joked, 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 Fame member Billie Jean King.

Federer, called the "Swiss Maestro" during the Hall's first red-carpet show, which began on centre court about 90 minutes before the start of the induction ceremony, told the crowd he "was a little stressed".

During his nearly 30-minute speech, Federer, whose glittering career was highlighted by his fluid movement and a quick approach to the net plus a dazzling one-handed backhand that earned him a record 237 consecutive weeks as the world's No.1 player in the ATP rankings, chocked up a handful of times.

It began to get tough for him about halfway through, when he talked about his childhood hero, Stefan Edberg, but he said "these are happy tears".

Federer was brought to tears again when he spoke about his longtime coach Severin Luthi, before he thanked Mirka for helping him on his journey.

"Now the Mirka part," he said, pausing before breaking into tears. "Oh gosh, this is such a mess."

He tried to joke, but the tears took over, just like his quick returns at the net would overwhelm his opponents.

"I need tissues and sunglasses, everything to protect me right now," he told the crowd, fighting back more tears.

But, like rallying in winning one of his five consecutive US Open titles from 2004-08 or reaching 10 straight grand slam finals, of which he won eight, Federer closed by thanking the ball boys and girls and encouraged players to keep taking the game new levels.

Federer, who celebrated his 45th birthday three weeks ago, won eight Wimbledon titles and is only one of eight men with a career grand slam. He captured six Australian Opens and one French Open, in 2009.