Roger Federer turns down Swiss Indoors invitation as he’s ‘still processing’ retirement | Tennis | Sport
Roger Federer has officially declined an invitation to return to his home tournament at the Swiss Indoors this month to say farewell to his fans after retiring at last month’s Laver Cup. The 20-time Major champion had been set to make his comeback in Basel before announcing his retirement but will not attend the ATP 500 tournament for a ceremony as he is still “processing” his recent retirement in London.
Federer’s 24-year career came to an end at the recent Laver Cup after the 41-year-old spent 14 months on the sidelines, battling to return from his ongoing right knee injury. The former world No 1 eventually admitted he had to listen to his body and announced his retirement a week before the team tournament, playing his final match in the doubles alongside Rafael Nadal before saying farewell in front of a packed O2 Arena crowd.
The 103-time title winner had originally been set to use the Laver Cup as a base for his comeback before playing his first official tournament at the Swiss Indoors, but he was left unable to compete at his home event one final time after deciding to retire. And Federer has now confirmed that he will not be making an appearance in Basel after declining an invitation as he tries to “process” his recent retirement.
“I would like to thank the Swiss Indoors for their willingness to welcome me in Basel this year,” the 10-time title winner in Basel said in a statement. “I’ve been trying to process everything that’s happened lately.”
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