Roger Federer - "Gerry Weber Open stand for a great history in tennis"
This year Roger Federer is competing for the 17th time at the ATP Tour 500 tournament in Halle / Westphalia. The Swiss has already won the title nine times at the traditional lawn event.
by Press release
last edit: May 23, 2019, 10:25 am
Mr. Federer, what are your expectations for the 27th GERRY WEBER OPEN?
Roger Federer : “When I look at the list of participants, I have the impression that it is becoming increasingly difficult to win the tournament. Of course that's a great line-up - with Alexander Zverev, Dominic Thiem, Kei Nishikori and me from the top ten. And with other top players, all of whom we know in the scene that they are able to win such a cup at any time. ”
This year you are starting for the 17th time in Halle / Westphalia - a remarkable number with which you are also a record participant.
Roger Federer: “Of course, this is also an expression of the connection to this tournament, to this venue, to the people who make this competition possible. It's been a fantastic development that the tournament has seen over the years. I was there early in my career, I still remember driving to Halle by car. I feel part of a big family here. And I can say that everyone from my own family always felt very comfortable there. Later also my children, who enjoyed the very special flair away from the big cities. It was always a bit of a shame for them if they couldn't be there lately. ”
The lawn tennis tournament has experienced strong growth, also as part of the upgrade to the ATP 500 series.
Roger Federer: “It was impressive to see how everything has changed over the years - without the character of the tournament being damaged. It is still a tournament that makes it easy for us players. With the short distances, the good training opportunities. You practically look at the Center Court from your hotel room, where can you find that? As mentioned, the player fields have become even stronger with the promotion to the ATP 500 series. In addition, you have an ideal date in the calendar, in the middle week between the end of the French Open and the start of Wimbledon.
What is the special attraction of lawn tennis for you?
Roger Federer: “Well, the highlight of the season - that's Wimbledon. And the extraordinary, exclusive competitive character radiates in a way to the whole lawn season. As an athlete, you are forced to change to a completely different game character in a very short time and to reorient yourself. Even if many matches meanwhile no longer show the lawn tennis used to, i.e. with a lot of attacking tennis, you are more dependent on reflexes, intuition, a simply quicker reaction. Something I've always liked. "
Now the tournament in HalleWestfalen was in the headlines after the insolvency of the title sponsor, Gerry Weber International AG. How did you perceive this development?
Roger Federer: “Of course with concern. I think that there is no player on the entire ATP tour who does not want this tournament to continue. But there is now the certainty that things will continue in the future. The Gerry Weber Open stand for a great history in tennis. I have said many times in recent years that I do not know how to make the tournament much better. Anyway, I will be happy to help wherever I can. I would like to take this opportunity to remind you of my 'Lifetime Contract', which ensures that I will only play in Halle this week. ”
So the question arises: how long will Roger Federer continue to play?
Roger Federer: “I don't think about a specific point in time. There is a lot of speculation on this topic, but that's not true. ”