Notable lack of Roger Federer promotion at Swiss Indoors 2024 on home soil raises concerns
Roger Federer reportedly had a rift with the organizers of the Swiss Indoors ATP event over a decade ago which has led to him being snubbed this year. The home hero is nowhere to be seen at the event despite the records he holds.
Born in Basel, Federer has had surprisingly little presence during this year's tournament in his hometown. The 2024 edition of the Swiss Indoors features no significant recognition of the 43-year-old icon, despite his unmatched records at the event, where he holds the most wins, finals, and titles.
The only acknowledgment of Federer, who used to be a ball boy at the event in the 1990s, at this year's tournament is his name on the winner's list.
Reports from Swiss outlet Blick suggest that a longstanding rift between Federer and Swiss Indoors boss Roger Brennwald, stemming from a 2012 disagreement over appearance fees, may explain his absence from the event’s celebrations.
Federer did return in 2014, playing without a fee and donating his bonus to his foundation. It seemed that the tensions had eased for a time.
However, in 2022, Federer declined the tournament’s offer to celebrate his farewell after his last match at the Laver Cup, stating it felt "too soon" after the emotional farewell in London. He expressed his appreciation for the tournament’s gesture but explained that he needed more time to process everything.
Brennwald echoed this sentiment, acknowledging their desire to honor Federer but understanding his need for space after retiring.
Federer’s decision to decline the invitation last year further fueled speculation that the rift between him and the tournament remains unresolved. Despite his incredible legacy, the 43-year-old has chosen to remain distant from an event that holds personal significance in his career.
A look into Swiss Indoors records held by Roger Federer
In 1998, at 17, Roger Federer made his ATP debut at the Swiss Open Gstaad. Later that year, he debuted at the Swiss Indoors, an ATP 250 event at the time, via a wildcard and lost in the first round.
After earning a runner-up finish in 2000 and 2001, the Swiss icon's first title at the event came in 2006 when he defeated Fernando González in the final 6-3, 6-2, 7-6(3). He became the third Swiss to win the title. Federer went on to complete a hat-trick of Swiss Indoors title in 2008 and became the first person to do so.
The event became an ATP 500 in 2009 and Federer reached the final from that year to 2015 winning four titles (2010, 2011, 2014, 2015). He bagged another hat-trick of titles from 2017 to 2019 winning a total of 10 titles, reaching 15 finals, and earning a total of 75 wins at the event.