India, Aug. 30 -- Roger Federer was reduced to tears several times during an emotional International Tennis Hall of Fame induction ceremony in Newport, Rhode Island, as the 20-time Grand Slam champion reflected on his family, coaches and the people who shaped one of the greatest careers in tennis history. Federer, who was formally inducted on Saturday, struggled to contain his emotions even before beginning his speech after his wife Mirka delivered the introduction. The 45-year-old repeatedly paused during an address that stretched close to half an hour, at one stage joking that the interruptions caused by his tears could keep him speaking until sunrise.

The most emotional passage came when Federer turned towards Mirka. He stopped, gathe...