“Too soon after London” – Federer declines retirement ceremony in Basel this year

Swiss fans will have to wait for a little longer to give their hometown legend Federer a retirement ceremony

Roger Federer at the 2019 Swiss Indoors Open in Basel Image Credit: AI/ Reuters/ Panoramic

October 11, 2022

After the emotional and heart-warming retirement ceremony for Roger Federer at the Laver Cup last month, many fans, especially those in Switzerland, were hoping to see an encore at the Swiss Indoors ATP event in Basel later this month.

That is after all Federer’s hometown event and a tournament he has won 10 times in his career.

But although tournament organizers were keen on hosting a special ceremony in honour of the 20-time Grand Slam champion, Federer has declined the same this year as he felt it was too soon after the emotional Laver Cup farewell.

Roger Brennwald, Tournament Director of the Swiss Indoors, confirmed the news in a statement released on the tournament’s website. “Roger Federer is one of the greatest tennis players of all time and to honour him during our event is a very special occasion in a very appropriate setting. We would love to celebrate the impact that Roger’s years of success at the tournament had but understand that Roger needs more time after the wonderful end of his career.”

Federer retired after playing a doubles match alongside his arch-rival Rafael Nadal for Team Europe on Day 1 of the 2022 Laver Cup, which was his first tournament since his 2021 Wimbledon quarter-final exit. The Swiss underwent a knee surgery following that Wimbledon exit and although he tried to rehab for a full year to prepare for a comeback, his knee did not make enough progress and the Swiss finally called it curtains on his glittering career.

Federer also released a statement, saying he is still trying to absorb everything that has happened in recent months and wished the tournament all the best. “I thank the Swiss indoors for their willingness to have me in Basel this year, but I have been trying to absorb everything that took place recently and celebrating at home in Basel will have a very special meaning and comes to soon after London. I have so many incredible memories from playing so many years at home and my wish is that the tournament continues to be one of the top stops on the ATP Tour.”

You might also like this