The Road to Newport: Roger Federer
There is great excitement in the City by the Sea this week, as all eyes turn to Newport, Rhode Island, where tennis legend Roger Federer takes his well-deserved place among the greats in the International Tennis Hall of Fame.
The twenty time major champion will be inducted alongside celebrated broadcaster and journalist Mary Carillo as part of the Class of 2026, bringing some of the biggest names in tennis to the historic grass courts for a weekend of celebration.
Roger Federer needs no introduction. His extraordinary achievements speak for themselves: 20 Grand Slam singles titles, a record eight Wimbledon championships, 1,251 career match victories, and an astonishing 310 weeks as World No. 1. Yet beyond the records and trophies, we have had the great pleasure of watching a champion whose determination and discipline were matched by his elegance, grace and impeccable sportsmanshipโboth on and off the court. A toast to Roger Federer, one of the greatest to ever play the game. Roger that!
Maryโs career included the 1977 French Open mixed doubles title and then she found a new way to shape the sport by becoming one of its most admired and intelligent voices. She has brought fans closer to the moments and people that characterize the sport.
The International Hall of Fame had its beginnings in the Gilded Age. Opening in 1880 on fashionable Bellevue Avenue, the Newport Casino was conceived as an elegant social and sporting club for Newportโs summer colonyโwith dining, dancing, theater, billiards, shops and, importantly, lawn tennis.
The first U.S. National Lawn Tennis Championships at the Newport Casino, Newport, Rhode Island, 1881. The tournament would eventually evolve into today’s US Open.
By the 1950s, the Newport Casino had fallen into disrepair when Jimmy Van Alen championed its revival and the establishment of a Tennis Hall of Fame. Designed in 1880 by the celebrated architectural firm McKim, Mead & White, the Casino blends Shingle Style with Queen Anne influences, creating an opulent yet wonderfully relaxed summer pavilion.
Jimmy Van Alen, Crowds watch a match at the Newport Casino in 1890, McKim, Mead & White
With a nod to the tennis whites that have been part of the sport since the Victorian eraโand a wink to the frothy lace and finery of the Gilded Ageโweโre serving up summer whites, Newport style. We were delighted to discover a late-in-the-season selection of fabulous frocks and accessories that feel perfectly at home for a weekend in Newport. Underfoot, we opted for wedge or block-heeled sandalsโthe chicest way to navigate the grass with ease.
dresses: Nicolas Elisabeth Cotton Broderie Lace Halter $695 / Zimmermann Luna Tiered Lace Frill โ SALE $562 / Ramy Brook Samantha Tiered Lace Mini โ $425 / Tadashi Shoji Loic Lace Panel Midi $618 / Kobi Halperin Gillian Lace Tiered Miniโ $698 / Sabina Musรกyev Georgia Lace Trimmed Sleeveless Miniโ $365 / Milly Kait Strapless Tiled Lace Midiโ $595 accessories: Jacquemus Le Petit Turismo Floral Crochet Top Handle Bag $1990 / Asha Clementine Drop Earring $275 / Krewe Lucy Sunglasses $335 / Asha Gold Maltese Cuff $13500 / Jacquemus Le Petit Raffia & Leather Bag $1250 / Asha White Taj Clip On Earring Beaded SALE $95 shoes: Stuard Weitzman Alyssa Leather Block Heel Sandals SALE $185 / JImmy Choo Dree Leather Wedge Sandals $875 / Stuard Weitzman Dayna Leather Espadrille Sandals $425 / Valentino Garavani Rockstud Calfskin Leather Slide Sandals $950
The newly renovated The Hall of Famers Gallery is a unique space honoring every Hall of Famer who has received the ultimate honor in tennis with a new symbol of induction: a cast racquet.
The Majors, presented by Rolex, an interactive journey through the majors narrated by Roger Federer
To feel a part of the excitement, you can send a message to Roger and Mary that will be a part of the ceremonies.
The Museum at the International Tennis Hall of Fame is open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Click to purchase tickets and find more information.
