Roger Federer has not appeared at the Swiss Indoors in Basel since retiring, and a report suggests it is due to a row with the event’s organizers.
The 20-time Grand Slam champion retired from the sport in September 2022 at the Laver Cup, playing doubles with his old rival on the court but friend off it, Rafael Nadal.
Since retiring, Federer has not frequently attended tournaments. Wimbledon, this year’s US Open, and the Shanghai Masters, where he participated in a charity match, were exceptions.
Federer’s appearance in Shanghai was also notable for his practice session with Carlos Alcaraz. Although he described the experience as an honor, Alcaraz refused to reveal the details of what they discussed during the session.
The 43-year-old flying to China to play a charity tournament means the tournament in Basel, the city where Federer was born, seems like an obvious place for the tennis legend to make an appearance.
Federer also won the title at the Swiss Indoors an incredible ten times and reached five other finals. He was always the biggest attraction for fans each year until his final appearance in 2019.
However, Blick reports that tensions between Federer and the tournament organizers, which stretch back several years, are responsible for his not returning to the event since retiring.
It is believed that Federer had a significant rift with Roger Brennwald, the boss of the Swiss Indoors in Basel, in 2012 over his appearance fee, which tarnished his relationship with Brennwald.
Federer played at the tournament in 2014 without a fee, and his bonus from subsequent appearances was given to his Foundation. That eased the tensions between the player and the event for a period of time.
Yet, issues have emerged again in recent years. In 2022, Federer did not return to the tournament after retiring. The eight-time Wimbledon winner justified the decision by saying it felt too soon after the emotional ending of his career at the Laver Cup.
Brennwald showed understanding of that decision, saying he appreciated that Federer wanted some space after retiring, and said the tournament planned to recognize the home hero at a later date.
But Federer declining an invitation to appear at the Swiss Indoors last year did not receive the same understanding, with some suspecting it was due to commercial reasons, which might explain his willingness to go to China but not Basel.
Federer has insisted his distancing from the tournament is for emotional reasons and not because of any animosity towards the event, but this year’s Swiss Indoors indicates that explanation does not wash with the organizers.
The 2024 edition of the tournament in Basel has been notable for there being no visible mention of Federer despite being a 10-time champion. In fact, the only place he is clearly acknowledged is on the winner’s list.
Federer’s commitment to playing at the Swiss Indoors in Basel throughout his career makes this a surprising development. Hopefully, any ill feelings can be resolved, and he will return to the tournament.
