The tennis world was left in shock after the announcement of Roger Federer’s retirement. On September 15, the former world No. 1 announced that he was going to put away his professional racket after taking part in the Laver Cup.
Everyone expected it a little, because of his age and the many injuries, but we definitely didn’t know when it would happen exactly. After his semi-final at the Australian Open 2020, the 41-year-old native of Basel has only played 13 official matches.
in the meantime, he underwent 3 operations on his right knee and his physical form was not at all the same after that. The fact that Roger opted out of ATP Basel was also an indicator that he was no longer able to play a singles match.
Denis Istomin on Roger Federer
Uzbek tennis player Denis Istomin spoke about the importance that Roger Federer had in the world of tennis. “Roger has had a very long career and great moments,” Istomin told GoTennis.
“He is one of the best players in the history of tennis. I want to thank him for bringing so many sponsors to this sport. Tennis has become very popular thanks to people like him.
I’m proud to have played around the same time as him. I had the chance to play many games against him (8-0 record in favor of the Swiss) and each of them was very memorable for me”, he explained.
“I played against him last year at Roland Garros. I felt he was at the end of his career because I could see that his responsiveness wasn’t the same as before.
Still, was playing very well for his age.” Roger Brennwald, the tournament director of the Swiss Indoors Basel or Tournament Basel, made it clear to fans that the “Frank Sinatra of tennis” would be at this year’s event.
“The enormous fanbase, partners and supporters of the Swiss Indoors are looking forward to seeing the legend back on center court again this year. We bid a warm farewell to Roger Federer in St.
Jakob . We will give more information at a later date,” reads an official message from the tournament in Basel, Switzerland.
