Roger Federer’s farewell event was rescheduled for Monday because the tennis legend isn’t emotionally prepared to say goodbye in front of his home crowd.
The stage was set for the Basel event’s triumphant return after a two-year absence. Glorious not only because of the ATP tour’s big names who will grace the event, which begins later this month, but also because the Swiss Indoors was slated to be Roger Federer’s final home event. And it would have been a fitting send-off for the tennis legend with the home crowd present and at the event he won ten times during his illustrious 24-year career, including the last time it was held, in 2019. The farewell event, however, was postponed on Monday because Federer isn’t emotionally prepared to say goodbye in front of his home crowd.
Federer was supposed to return to the ATP tour last month after being sidelined with a knee injury for more than a month. However, at the conclusion of the Laver Cup in London in September, the 20-time Grand Slam winner hung up his racquet. He did, however, reveal that he intends to go to Basel, which was on his return itinerary, to say his final goodbye. But, because the time between the two events was too short, he chose to delay his arrival.
“I thank the Swiss Indoors for having me in Basel this year,” Federer said, according to Tages-Anzeiger. “I’ve been trying to make sense of everything that’s happened recently.” After London, the celebration at home in Basel will have a very special meaning for me. “I have so many incredible memories of playing at home for so many years,” she continues, “and I hope the tournament continues to be one of the top stops on the ATP tour.”
Federer’s decision was regretted by Tournament President Roger Brennwald, but he understood why.
“We would have liked to have celebrated Roger’s years of success at our tournament,” he said. “However, we understand that Roger needs more time after the wonderful end of his career.”
Meanwhile, world number one Carlos Alcaraz, Casper Ruud, and Wimbledon finalist Nick Kyrgios will lead the field. The event will take place between October 22 and October 30.
