Roger Federer Joins London Youth at Wimbledon for International Tennis Hall of Fame 'Be Legendary' Event

Roger Federer returned to Wimbledon in a different role this week, joining local children on the indoor courts of The All England Lawn Tennis Club as part of the International Tennis Hall of Fame’s “Be Legendary” program.

The event, held in partnership with the 25th anniversary of the Wimbledon Junior Tennis Initiative, gave young players a chance to take the court with the eight-time Wimbledon gentlemen’s singles champion and soon-to-be Hall of Famer.

Federer, a Class of 2026 International Tennis Hall of Fame inductee, took part in skills and drills with the children, helping create a once-in-a-lifetime experience designed to connect the next generation of players with the legends who have shaped the sport.

Above: Roger Federer with London youth at the Be Legendary event. Photo credit: ©️AELTC/Charlie Raymond Kent.

“Being Legendary – it’s doing something exceptional for a long period of time and then using that power to pass it on to other people. Inspiring others to also achieve their greatness,” said Roger Federer. “So the program here at Wimbledon, giving back to the kids and the community and inspiring and motivating kids to go out on the tennis court or go out and play sports – it’s one thing talking about it, it’s one thing hearing about it – but it’s also another thing visually being there and actually being in touch with them and giving some advice...and actually truly showing and showcasing what a great sport tennis is. My biggest passion in life has been tennis - it’s given me everything I could ever ask for and more.”

The Hall of Fame’s “Be Legendary” program is a global youth initiative created to inspire and empower players ages 10 to 18 by connecting them with tennis history, values and legendary players. Since 2025, the program has connected hundreds of young players with Hall of Famers around the world, with stops in London, Melbourne, New York City, Miami, Dallas, Indian Wells and more.

The goal is to encourage young players to discover their own personal greatness, both on and off the court.

Above: Roger Federer gives tennis tennis to kids at the event. Video credit: International Tennis Hall of Fame. Photo credit (thumbnail): ©️AELTC/Charlie Raymond Kent.

“Be Legendary is so much more than a single moment on court. It’s about giving young players a lasting connection to the values and history that define tennis,” said ITHF President, Patrick McEnroe. “Hosting this event at Wimbledon allowed us to bring that mission to life in one of our sport’s most prestigious and storied settings.”

This year also marks the 25th anniversary of Wimbledon’s Learning program, an award-winning initiative that has created meaningful experiences for learners of all ages over the past quarter century and has connected with more than 125,000 people.

The Wimbledon Junior Tennis Initiative is funded by the Wimbledon Foundation, the official charity of the All England Club and The Championships. The initiative has introduced nearly 300,000 children from the local community to tennis.

Above: Roger Federer comments on some of his favorite memories from Wimbledon during the event. Video credit: International Tennis Hall of Fame. Photo credit (thumbnail): ©️AELTC/Charlie Raymond Kent.

Paige Murphy, Head of the Wimbledon Foundation, said: "We’re incredibly proud to celebrate 25 years of our Wimbledon Junior Tennis Initiative which has introduced nearly 300,000 children from our local community to tennis. We can't think of a more fitting way to mark this milestone than by giving these young players the opportunity to share the court with eight-time Wimbledon champion Roger Federer. We hope this once-in-a-lifetime experience creates lasting memories, inspires a lifelong love of tennis, and encourages them to pursue their dreams both on and off the court.”

Federer’s appearance comes ahead of his formal induction into the International Tennis Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2026. He will be inducted in the Player Category alongside broadcaster and journalist Mary Carillo, who will be honored in the Contributor Category.

The ITHF Induction Celebration will take place August 27–29, 2026, in Newport, Rhode Island.

===

Source: International Tennis Hall of Fame. Photo credit (top): ©️AELTC/Charlie Raymond Kent.

FLORIDA TENNIS NEWS — POWERED BY OUR PARTNERS