NEWPORT, R.I. (BN24) — Roger Federer and Juan Martin del Potro headline the list of nominees announced Wednesday for the International Tennis Hall of Fame’s Class of 2026, with two-time Grand Slam champion Svetlana Kuznetsova also earning a place on the ballot.
Federer, who redefined tennis excellence in the 21st century, leads the field. The Swiss icon became the first man to win 20 Grand Slam singles titles, ushering in a golden era for the sport alongside longtime rivals Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic. Known for his graceful all-court game, fluid footwork, and seemingly effortless shot-making, Federer captured 103 singles titles and won 1,251 matches, both numbers second only to Jimmy Connors in the Open era.
The former world No. 1 spent a record 237 consecutive weeks atop the ATP rankings, helped Switzerland to its first Davis Cup title in 2014, and won Olympic gold in doubles alongside Stan Wawrinka at the 2008 Beijing Games. Federer’s dominance at the majors included a record 10 consecutive Grand Slam finals between 2005 and 2007, winning eight, and a remarkable run of 36 straight quarterfinals.
Federer played his final tour match at Wimbledon in 2021, just shy of his 40th birthday. He officially retired the following year, bidding farewell at the Laver Cup in a doubles match alongside Nadal, a symbolic sendoff at an event created by his own management company.
Del Potro, a fan favorite known for his thunderous forehand and towering 6-foot-6 frame, also earns nomination recognition. The Argentine stunned Federer in the 2009 US Open final at age 20, ending the Swiss star’s streak of five straight titles in New York. Though injuries repeatedly interrupted his career, del Potro compiled 22 tour-level titles, reached a career-high No. 3 in the rankings, and claimed silver at the 2016 Rio Olympics before helping Argentina win the Davis Cup that same year. His last major appearance came at the 2019 French Open, where he reached the fourth round.
Kuznetsova joins the player nominees after a decorated career that included Grand Slam singles titles at the 2004 US Open and 2009 French Open. The Russian star added two Australian Open doubles titles and was a three-time Billie Jean King Cup champion with Russia. She reached No. 2 in singles and No. 3 in doubles, and collected a total of 34 tour-level titles across both disciplines.
Also nominated in the contributor category are longtime television analyst Mary Carillo and former tennis administrator Marshall Happer. The inductees will be revealed in November, with enshrinement ceremonies set to take place next summer in Newport, Rhode Island.
Federer is one of just eight men in tennis history to win all four Grand Slam titles, capturing eight Wimbledons, six Australian Opens, five US Opens, and one French Open. His final major title came in a dramatic 2009 Wimbledon victory over Andy Roddick, where Federer prevailed 16-14 in the fifth set to surpass Pete Sampras’ then-record of 14 Slams.
He was eventually overtaken by Nadal and Djokovic, who retired and remain active with 22 and 24 Grand Slam titles respectively. Yet, Federer’s legacy remains singular, built not only on success but on style, longevity, and global impact.
Reflecting on the historic rivalry with Nadal and Djokovic, Federer told the AP in 2021, “It really is impossible to grasp. How can you compare? Is it better to win when you’re young or old? On clay or grass? After injury or during dominance? I have no idea. I always say it’s wonderful to be part of that selective group.”
