Roger Federer’s last appearance at the Laver Cup brought tears to every tennis fan. After 24 years of extraordinary career, the Swiss phenomenon has decided to hang up the racket. The former World No. 1 really did everything he could to take one last ride, but his knee made him realize it was time to call it quits.
The last two and a half years had been a real ordeal for the King, unable to play as much as he would have liked. The 20-time Grand Slam champion had attempted a timid comeback in 2021, playing just 13 official matches and stopping again after Wimbledon.
Earlier this summer, the Master tried to increase the workload, but found he couldn’t continue. The MRI to which he underwent last July confirmed his fears. The Basel tournament had planned to organize a ceremony in honor of Roger, but the latter declined the invitation.
In an interview with ‘Tages Anzeiger’, tournament director Roger Brennwald commented on Federer’s decision.
Brennwald opens up about Federer
Although the Basel tournament (scheduled for October 24-30) had planned a ceremony in honor of Roger Federer, the latter declined the invitation, justifying his decision.
Roger Brennwald, the director of the Swiss Indoors who had planned big things for the legend, reacted to this news for the Tages-Anzeiger. “Roger Federer is one of the greatest players of all time and honoring him during our tournament made a lot of sense.
We would have liked to celebrate Roger’s years of success in our tournament, but I understand that Roger needs more time after his wonderful end to his career, Brennwald said sympathetically, before emphasizing the prestige of his tournament.
After the ATP finals in Turin and Paris-Bercy, there is no more important indoor tournament in the world than Basel, it comes at a price.» Roger Federer was supposed to appear at a special ceremony in front of his home fans in Basel in the 2022 Swiss Indoors, but the event has now been postponed.
«I thank the Swiss inside for their willingness to have me in Basel this year, but I have been trying to absorb everything that has happened recently and celebrating at home in Basel will have a very special meaning and it comes too soon after London.» , said. .
«I have so many amazing memories of playing so many years at home and my wish is that the tournament continues to be one of the best stops on the ATP Tour.»
