Roger Federer – Foto: Fresnel / Shutterstock.com
Roger Federer, Juan Martín del Potro, and Svetlana Kuznetsova have been nominated for the International Tennis Hall of Fame in the player category for the 2026 class. The announcement was made on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, in Newport, United States, the institution’s headquarters. Public online voting allows fans to participate until October 10, aiming to recognize remarkable careers in professional tennis.
The selection highlights athletes with significant achievements in the ATP and WTA circuits. Federer, a 44-year-old Swiss, retired in 2022, boasts 20 Grand Slam titles. Del Potro, a 37-year-old Argentine, retired in 2022, is known for the 2009 US Open. Kuznetsova, a 40-year-old Russian, retired in 2021, has four majors in singles and doubles.
These names represent different generations of the sport. The process seeks to preserve tennis history through transparent elections.
— Roger Federer (@rogerfederer) September 15, 2022
Federer’s career path in professional tennis
Federer began his career in 1998 and quickly rose to the top. He won his first Grand Slam at Wimbledon in 2003 and held the world number 1 ranking for 310 weeks. His record includes victories in all majors, completing the Career Grand Slam.
The Swiss secured 103 singles titles in the Open Era, second only to Jimmy Connors. In team competitions, he led Switzerland to the 2014 Davis Cup title. He also won Olympic gold in doubles at the 2008 Beijing Games with Stan Wawrinka.
Federer received the ATP’s Stefan Edberg Sportsmanship Award 13 times. Fans voted him the favorite player for 19 consecutive years, from 2003 to 2021. His consistency set standards of excellence in the sport.
Del Potro’s career highlights
Del Potro emerged in 2005 with early victories. In 2008, at 19, he recorded 23 consecutive wins and claimed four ATP titles. His peak came at the 2009 US Open, defeating Federer in a five-set final.
The Argentine amassed 22 titles in total. In 2016, he guided Argentina to its first Davis Cup title and earned Olympic silver in Rio de Janeiro. Injuries marked his career, but he finished 2009 as the youngest in the top 10.
Del Potro faced elite rivals in masters finals. His forehand became a technical trademark. Retirement followed the 2022 US Open due to wrist issues.
Kuznetsova’s achievements in singles and doubles
Kuznetsova competed for 15 years on the WTA tour. She won the 2004 US Open against Elena Dementieva and the 2009 Roland Garros over Dinara Safina. In doubles, she took the Australian Open in 2005 with Alicia Molik and in 2012 with Vera Zvonareva.
The Russian reached number 2 in singles and number 3 in doubles rankings. Her record includes 18 singles titles and 16 doubles titles. For her country, she helped Russia win three Billie Jean King Cup titles in 2004, 2007, and 2008.
Kuznetsova overcame finals losses in 2006 and 2007. Her versatility allowed transitions between formats. Career prize money exceeded $25 million.
Voting process and election criteria
Election requires 75% affirmative votes from the Official Voting Group. Fan votes add bonus points to the top three: 3% for the leader, 2% for second, and 1% for third. Public voting takes place on the Hall of Fame’s website.
Fan results are released after October 10. Final tabulation determines the inductees in late spring 2026. The induction ceremony date will be announced later.
- Candidates compete in separate categories, with players focused on competitive achievements.
- Contributors, such as journalists, are inducted every two years.
- The Hall preserves 270 names since 1954, including recent inductee Maria Sharapova in 2025.
This structure ensures a balance between expertise and public support. The 2026 nominees reinforce the diversity of contributions to tennis.
Collective legacy of these athletes in the sport
Federer, del Potro, and Kuznetsova shared courts in key tournaments. Federer faced del Potro in memorable finals, like the 2009 US Open. Kuznetsova competed against top players in mixed Slams.
Their careers total over 50 major and ATP/WTA titles. National representations included Davis Cup and Billie Jean King Cup. Hall recognition perpetuates these achievements for new generations.
The announcement draws global attention to tennis. Fans from various countries follow the voting. The institution uses the process to engage sports communities.
