Roger Federer has confirmed that he will not be playing at the Swiss Indoors, Basel for the 2022 season as it is too soon after the emotional farewell at the Laver Cup, London.
The former tennis player, who officially retired from tennis last month, has been invited to attend the tournament which will be held at his home, Basel. He has won the tournament ten times and been runner-up on five occasions. He was also a ball boy in the tournament in 1993, five seasons before his debut in the ATP tournament.
The former world number 1 explained that he had decided not to attend the tournament this season as he was still trying to process the final moments of his life. He ended his career with 103 titles and spent 310 weeks as the world number one.
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“I want to thank Swiss Indoors for their intention to welcome me to Basel this season. I’m still trying to process everything that’s happened lately. Celebrating at home in Basel will have a very special meaning and now it’s too soon for me after London,” Roger Federer said.
“I have so many great memories of playing at home for such a long time and I hope that the tournament will continue to be one of the top stops in the ATP tournament.”
For the tennis maestro’s decision, Swiss Indoors tournament director Roger Brennwald understands it.
“Of course, we would all be very happy to honor Roger Federer as one of the greatest players of all time. We want to celebrate Roger’s winning streak in our tournaments but I understand that Roger needs more time after the incredible end to his career,” said Brennwald.
Federer’s last match of his career took place at London’s O2 Arena when he teamed up with Spain’s Rafael Nadal for a doubles match at the Laver Cup. Both tennis stars lost to the strengthened World Team, Frances Tiafoe and Jack Sock. While his last match in the singles match occurred at Wimbledon in the 2021 season when he lost to Hubert Hurkacz in the quarterfinals.