Roger Federer will return to the 2023 Halle Open as a guest of honour to celebrate the ATP 500 event's 30-year anniversary.
Federer has an esteemed history at the Halle Open and won the competition ten times during his star-studded tennis career. In addition to welcoming Federer as a guest of honour at this year's competition, the event announced that June 21 will be referred to as 'Roger Federer Day.'
As part of the Swiss former player's return, money will be raised for his charity organisation, the Roger Federer Foundation, which the 41-year-old has committed to since his official retirement from tennis in September 2022. In a press release following the announcement, Federer expressed his delight on returning to the German grass court event this season.
"I'm looking forward to returning to one of my absolute favourite tournaments on the ATP Tour. It's an honour to come and help the tournament celebrate this important anniversary in Halle."
It will be an exciting moment for the 20-time Grand Slam champion, who won his first Halle Open in 2003. The Swiss player went on to win 69 of his 77 matches at the venue and he last lifted the title in 2019 after beating David Goffin in the final.
Also, Federer's appearance will help boost the profile of Halle and event organisers are equally excited to have the former world number one in attendance this year. The 2023 Halle Open takes place between June 19 and June 25 and Tournament Director and Managing Partner, Ralf Weber, shared some of the benefits of Federers return in a press statement.
"The rise of our tournament to world-class level is closely associated with Roger. He has acted as an outstanding ambassador for us over all this time and produced headlines around the globe."