Roger Federer ‘not ready for another farewell’ in Basel

Roger Federer has respectfully declined the possibility of another sendoff ceremony at his home tournament of the Swiss Indoors in Basel this month. 

The 20-time Slam champion was scheduled to appear at the ATP 250 beginning 24th October before his decision to retire from the sport last month. Now, after all the emotion and fanfare in and around the Laver Cup in London, Federer feels it is too soon for another ceremony.

“I thank the Swiss Indoors for their willingness to have me in Basel this year,” he said. “But I have been trying to absorb everything that took place recently. Celebrating at home in Basel will have a very special meaning and comes too 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.”

Still, tournament director Roger Brennwald hopes to stage a ceremony recognising the Swiss sporting great in the near future.

“Federer is one of the greatest tennis player of all time,” he said. “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 we understand that Roger needs more time after the wonderful end of his career.”

Federer won the Swiss Indoors a record 10 times, his joint most successful event with Halle. The most recent of those came in 2019, the last of his 103 career tour level singles titles.

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