“Roger needs more time before hometown farewell” – says Swiss Indoors President
ATP
The head of the upcoming Swiss Indoors Basel admits he understands Roger Federer’s decision to skip what would have been a celebration of his career.
Tournament President Roger Brennwald was speaking after all-time great Federer announced he would not be attending his returning hometown event, revealing his farewell to tennis at London’s Laver Cup last month had taken its toll.
The ATP 500 event in Switzerland is set to return after a three-year enforced break due to the Covid-19 pandemic with a strong playing with the likes of Carlos Alcaraz, Casper Ruud and Nick Kyrgios all signed up to appear.
And the tournament committee had planned to use the week as a Swiss-style retirement ceremony for Federer, as fans of the much-loved 41-year-old got their chance to honour everything he has done for tennis.
Federer, who lifted the trophy ten times at the St Jakob-Halle including the last three editions in 2017, 2018 and 2019, explained why he decided to pull out from appearing.
He said: “I thank the Swiss Indoors for their willingness to welcome me in Basel this year, I've been trying to process everything that's happened lately.
“The celebration at home in Basel will have a very special meaning and is now too short for me after London. I have so many incredible memories of playing at home for so many years and I wish that the tournament continues to be one of the top stops on the ATP tour."
Mr Brennwald conceded his regret at the former World’s No. 1 decision but insisted the show must go on.
He told the press: “We would have liked to have celebrated Roger's years of success at our tournament but understand that Roger needs more time after the wonderful end of his career.
"After the ATP finals in Turin and Paris-Bercy, there is no more important indoor tournament in the world than Basel.”
The Swiss Indoors Basel will take place between October 22nd – 30th.
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