Andy Roddick joked that he was shocked about Roger Federer making the Hall of Fame on the first ballot, before also adding that he was wondering who was the lone individual who opposed the Swiss entering the HoF.
Federer, who officially retired from pro tennis after the 2022 Laver Cup, has been elected to the HoF as the sole player in the Class of 2026. The ceremony is set to be held in Newport in August 2026.
During his 24 years on the Tour, Federer won 103 ATP titles - 20 Grand Slams - and spent a total of 310 weeks at the world No. 1 spot. Needless to say, the Swiss went down as one of the greatest in tennis history and there was no doubt that he would be elected into the HoF as soon as he became eligible for the honor.
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Roddick's sarcastic take on Federer being elected into the Hall of Fame
"You know what I was shocked about just before we get into this list? You know what I was stunned about this week? Something happened this week. Floored me. Federer got voted into the Hall of Fame. On the first ballot," Roddick sarcastically said on his podcast.
When the votes came out, it was revealed that one individual was against the Swiss tennis icon entering the HoF in 2026.
"Only one person voted against it, and I'm sure I don't know who it is. I don't know, undeserving?" 2003 US Open champion Roddick added.
Meanwhile, Federer couldn't hide his happiness over the latest honor.
"It's a tremendous honor to be inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame and to stand alongside so many of the game's great champions. Throughout my career, I've always valued the history of tennis and the example set by those who came before me. To be recognized in this way by the sport and by my peers is deeply humbling," the 44-year-old said.
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In the 2000s, Roddick and Federer had one of the best rivalries. After winning the 2003 US Open, the American made four more Grand Slam finals, but never again won a Major after losing to the Swiss on all four occasions.
