The news did not come digitally out of nowhere. Doubts about his future on the tennis court had been mounting for weeks, however Roger Federer's will to compete at the Swiss Indoors still prevailed in early summer. Now the anticipation has been replaced by the news of his retirement. This is an extremely emotional moment for the Swiss Indoors team, accompanied by a feeling of great gratitude for having seen and experienced Roger Federer up close 19 times at the Swiss tennis festival.

It was a privilege for me as chairman of the organisation and for my entire team to have accompanied the player of the century for two decades. He has left his in print on world tennis over two tennis generations and thus also on our tournament in our hometown. Like the Swede Björn Borg in the early days of the tournament's history, Roger Federer has taken the tournament to a new dimension. His ten titles at St. Jakob alone are for eternity, and represent only line in his illustrious palmarès.

In the case of the grandiose entertainer, this Frank Sinatra of tennis, the positive feeling is a commitment that transcends the moment. Memories germinate of magical moments and nights in thrilling matches against the world's best in Basel. We think of the many duels against giants like Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, Juan Martin del Potro, Andy Roddick and many more. Roger Federer, against the rest of the world, deepened the reputation of the Swiss Indoors to be "the Name of the Game".

Roger Federer stood out from the great tennis family with his stand, with the variety of his technique. The most impressive attribute about his tennis was its lightness. The sportsman of the century was an absolute artist with the racquet like a painter with a fine brush stroke. His first and most important decisions in tennis was to become a ball boy at Swiss Indoors when he was eleven years old. In contact with the world stars, the untapped talent was inspired by the role models. Years later, "Tennis made by Federer" inspired millions worldwide on screen or live in the arenas.

The huge fan base, partners and supporters of the Swiss Indoors are looking forward to seeing the legend step on to the center court once again this year. We will give Roger Federer a warm farewell in St. Jakob. Further information will follow at a later date.

ON BEHALF OF SWISS INDOORS BASEL

Roger Brennwald,
Founder and tournament president