Roger Federer has confirmed that he will not be present at this year’s Swiss Indoors in Basel because it is too soon after his emotional farewell at the Laver Cup in London.
The 20-time Grand Slam champion, who officially retired from tennis last month, had been invited to attend his home tournament which would have marked his record-breaking career in some capacity. Federer has won the Basel title a record 10 times and was runner-up on five other occasions. He was also a ball boy at the tournament in 1993 which was five years before he made his ATP Tour debut.
In a statement issued, Federer explained that he has decided not to attend this year because he is still trying to process recent events in his life. The 41-year-old ends his career with 103 ATP titles and has spent 310 weeks as world No.1.
“I would like to 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,” Federer said in a statement published by Blick.ch.
“I have so many incredible memories of playing at home for so many years and I wish the tournament continues to be one of the top stops on the ATP tour.” He added.
It is possible that Federer could be honoured at the ATP 500 event next year which will coincide with its 53rd birthday. Roger Brennwald, who is the tournament director, said he respects the decision made.
“Of course, we would all have been very happy to honour Roger Federer as one of the greatest players of all time in a worthy setting during our event. We would have liked to have celebrated Roger’s years of winning streak at our tournament, but I understand that Roger needs more time after the wonderful end of his career.” He said.
Federer’s last match of his career took place at The O2 Arena in London where he paired up with Rafael Nadal to play doubles in the Laver Cup. The duo lost to Jack Sock and Frances Tiafoe. His last match as a singles player was at the 2021 Wimbledon Championships where he lost in the quarter-finals to Hubert Hurkacz.
This year’s Swiss Indoors will get underway on October 24th with world No.1 Carlos Alcaraz set to be the top seed. Casper Ruud, Nick Kyrgios, Andy Murray, Marin Cilic and Stan Wawrinka have also entered to play.
