Roger Federer is about to receive a prestigious honor.

Roger Federer tops the nominations for the International Tennis Hall of Fame class of 2026.

Roger Federer has been announced as the leading candidate for the 2026 International Tennis Hall of Fame. He is the first male player to win 20 Grand Slam singles titles, marking a legendary era alongside rivals Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic.

With an all-around attacking style, powerful forehands and serves, and smooth movement, Federer amassed a total of 103 titles and 1,251 singles match wins, second only to Jimmy Connors in the Open Era (since 1968).

The Swiss legend finished five seasons as ATP No. 1, holds the record for 237 consecutive weeks atop the rankings, led Switzerland to the 2014 Davis Cup title, and won Olympic doubles gold in Beijing 2008 with Stan Wawrinka. At his peak, Federer set a record of 10 consecutive Grand Slam finals from 2005 to 2007, winning 8 titles; he also appeared in 18 of 19 Grand Slam finals through 2010. Additionally, he had streaks of 36 straight Grand Slam quarterfinals and 23 semifinal appearances.

Federer played his final match at Wimbledon 2021, just before turning 40. A year later, he officially announced his retirement, concluding his career with a doubles match alongside Nadal at the Laver Cup — a tournament founded by his management company.

Besides Federer, the 2026 nominees include two Grand Slam champions: Svetlana Kuznetsova and Juan Martin del Potro. The “contribution” category features Mary Carillo (TV commentator) and Marshall Happer (administrator). The official inductees will be revealed in November.

Federer is one of eight male players to have won at least one singles title at all four Grand Slams: 8 Wimbledon titles, 6 Australian Opens, 5 US Opens, and 1 French Open. He completed his Grand Slam collection in 2009 by defeating Andy Roddick in the Wimbledon final with a final set score of 16-14.

Although later surpassed by Nadal and Djokovic in Grand Slam titles, Federer remains the greatest icon of modern tennis. Nadal retired with 22 Grand Slams, while Djokovic is still active with 24 titles.

Juan Martin del Potro — who defeated Federer in the 2009 US Open final — is also nominated. The 1.98m tall Argentine reached world No. 3, won 22 titles, earned Olympic silver in 2016, and helped Argentina win the Davis Cup. Svetlana Kuznetsova — former world No. 2 — holds 2 Grand Slam singles, 2 Grand Slam doubles titles, and 18 WTA singles titles, and is also on the nominee list.