Roger Federer fought back tears several times Saturday as the 20-time Grand Slam champion was formally inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in Newport.

The 45-year-old Swiss tennis legend took the stage at the Hall’s historic grass court after being introduced by his wife, Mirka Federer. After embracing and kissing her, Federer quickly acknowledged the emotion of the occasion.

“Oh man,” Federer said as he began his speech, joking that his wife’s introduction would be a “tough act to follow.”

Federer, widely known as the “Swiss Maestro,” admitted he was nervous ahead of the ceremony and became emotional several times during his nearly 30-minute address.

The tears first came as Federer reflected on his childhood hero, Stefan Edberg, describing them as “happy tears.” He became emotional again while recognizing longtime coach Severin Luthi before struggling to continue as he thanked Mirka for supporting him throughout his career.

“Now the Mirka part,” Federer said before pausing and breaking into tears. “Oh gosh, this is such a mess.”

Trying to lighten the moment, Federer joked that he needed “tissues and sunglasses” to get through the rest of his remarks.

Federer retired as one of the most accomplished players in tennis history. He became the first man to win 20 Grand Slam singles championships and held the world No. 1 ranking for a record 237 consecutive weeks.

His achievements include eight Wimbledon championships, six Australian Open titles, five consecutive U.S. Open crowns from 2004 to 2008 and the 2009 French Open, which completed his career Grand Slam.

Federer concluded his speech by recognizing the many people who contributed to his career, including ball boys and girls, while encouraging future generations of players to continue pushing the sport forward.

“I’m thrilled to have made the journey here,” Federer said. “It’s amazing to see yourself in a place like this. To immerse yourself in the history of the sport means a lot to me.”

Federer was inducted alongside former player and longtime broadcaster Mary Carillo, who entered the Hall of Fame as a contributor.

Carillo, 69, was introduced by tennis great Billie Jean King, who praised her distinguished career in sports journalism.

“She has earned her spot in sports journalism and she has earned her spot in Newport,” King said.

An emotional Carillo described joining the Hall of Fame as an achievement beyond anything she had imagined.

“To walk through these gates here in the company of you people, that was beyond my dreams,” she said.