The director of the BNP Paribas Open believes Roger Federer’s presence at the tournament this year shouldn’t be taken for granted.
Tommy Haas, who was ranked as high as No.2 in the world during his professional career, has admitted that there is a chance this year could be the last time Federer plays in the tournament. The 20-time grand slam champion will make his 18th main draw appearance in Indian Wells. He is a five-time champion and was runner-up to Juan Martin del Potro last year. Federer is the only player in history to feature in the final of the tournament on eight occasions.
“We hope that he’s going to be back for many, many years,” Haas said during an interview with The Desert Sun, “but I keep reminding everybody that this might be, who knows, his last year. I don’t want to be the guy that spoils it, but we’ve got to cherish these moments.”
37-year-old Federer recently claimed his 100th title at the Dubai Tennis Championships. Despite being the second oldest player in the top 100, he has shown no indication about when he will retire. His agent, Tony Godsick, said in a recent interview that even he was in the dark about Federer’s future plans.
One thing for sure is that it is unlikely the former world No.1 will quit at the end of 2019. Speaking to reporters in Dubai, he confirmed his intention to play in the 2020 edition of the tournament. Although he was more cautious when asked about the possibility of playing in the Olympic Games.
“The idea was for the people to know that I am coming back next year. That is the plan. I have a deal for next year.” He commented about playing in the 2020 Dubai Tennis Championships.
“I thought about it this week because I know they said they were interested to have me again next year, if it was okay to announce it during the week. I said, Absolutely, we can do that.”
In Indian Wells this year, Federer will be fighting to maintain his place in the world’s top five. He will be defending 600 points in the tournament. Should he suffer a early loss, both Kevin Anderson and Kei Nishikori has a chance to overtake him. In order to maintain his top five spot, Federer needs to reach at least the quarter-finals.
“He’s always trying to seek and play his best,” Haas said of Federer. “Runner up last year, defending champion the year before, so he always plays some really, really good tennis here.”
The draw for the men’s tournament at Indian Wells will take place on Tuesday. Defending champion del Potro will be absent due to a knee injury.
