2026 Tennis Hall of Fame Candidates Announced: Federer Enters with Two Grand Slam Titles!

At the start of the Shanghai Masters, it was announced that three retired players—Federer, Del Potro, and Kuznetsova—have become candidates for next year’s International Tennis Hall of Fame.

Since these three have qualified as nominees, what are their odds of being inducted?

The legendary Federer is undoubtedly a shoo-in, to the point where fans joke that it’s not Federer who needs the Hall of Fame, but rather the Hall of Fame that needs Federer!

Indeed, as a flagship and leader in the tennis world, Federer has brought immense attention to the sport. For many casual fans, the first name that comes to mind when thinking of tennis might not be Djokovic or Serena Williams, but Federer.

In terms of major achievements, Federer boasts 20 Grand Slam titles, ranks second in all-time tour championships, holds the longest tenure as world number one, and has won five consecutive Wimbledon and US Open titles, among other honors. He has both accolades and applause in abundance. Such a player, once retired and eligible for nomination, surely prompts the committee to prepare well in advance, just waiting for the perfect moment to send the invitation.

Among many debates about the greatest athletes in sports history, Federer might be the only tennis player who can truly rival Djokovic. Although his record is slightly behind his old rival, his contribution to promoting tennis is immense.

Next is former US Open champion Del Potro, who, during his prime, famously defeated top players like Federer and Nadal to claim his first and only Grand Slam title, a truly glorious moment. However, frequent injuries hindered his progress. Despite winning a Masters title and an Olympic singles silver medal, his list of major achievements remains somewhat limited.

Nevertheless, the Argentine’s inspirational story commands respect, which could boost his chances of induction. Historically, many players with a single Grand Slam title, such as fellow US Open champion Roddick, have been nominated.

Despite enduring hardships and a long recovery from injuries, Del Potro’s passion for tennis remained strong. His farewell matches were repeatedly postponed until he finally retired at his hometown tournament in Buenos Aires.

Kuznetsova is a two-time Grand Slam champion who once reached world number two. As one of the prominent figures in Russia’s “Pink Ladies” generation, she attracted attention rivaling that of Sharapova.

When considering Hall of Fame induction criteria, the number of Grand Slam titles is a significant factor. Tennis, as an individual sport, actually has stricter standards compared to basketball. Whether Del Potro and Kuznetsova will ultimately be selected remains uncertain!(Source: Tennis Home, Author: Luo Cheng Qiye)