What Really Happened Between Roger Federer and Swiss Indoors Basel Organizers? Everything to Know about the Alleged Controversy

Over the years, Roger Federer dominated several tournaments and became one of the best players on the ATP Tour. From the Wimbledon Championships to the Halle Open, he was the man to beat during his prime. Another such tournament was the Swiss Indoors in Basel, his home event in which Federer became one of the most successful players in the tournament’s history. Despite this success, he wasn’t on the good books of the tournament authorities. As the tournament got underway this week, another controversy erupted surrounding Federer.

During his youth, Roger Federer worked as a ball boy at the Swiss Indoors, where his mother, Lynette, also volunteered in the accreditation office. Renowned for his longevity in the sport, Federer holds the record for the oldest champion at the Swiss Indoors, winning the tournament for the last time at the age of 38. His impressive 75 career victories at this venue remain an unmatched achievement. But according to the Swiss publication, Blick, Roger Federer had a falling out with the organizers of the Swiss Indoors.

And there is “no image, no brochure, no object, no bust and no evocation” of the blockbuster star at this year’s tournament. In fact, Roger Federer’s presence at the Swiss Indoors is limited to the list of winners at the main entrance. It all started after Federer’s demand for a huge fee to play in the 2012 edition of the tournament.

This didn’t go down well with the boss of the tournament, Roger Brennwald. As a result, bad blood ensued between Federer and Brennwald. Two years later, he played at the event without a fee and donated to his foundation. This had been able to ease tensions. However, years later, further tensions erupted after Federer refused to bid farewell to his career at the Swiss Indoors. Not once, but twice during the 2022 and the 2023 editions. Eventually, Federer skipped the event and retired after playing the Laver Cup in 2022.

This resulted in a fallout between Federer and the tournament and the latter has kept away from the Swiss maestro during the current edition. Roger Federer later explained his decision to decline an invitation to return to the Swiss Indoors, stating that he had no ill feelings towards the tournament and that his choice was primarily driven by emotional factors.

The Swiss Indoors in Basel was one of Federer’s favorite tournaments. He created many records there and won the title an astonishing 10 times. Additionally, before this year’s edition, he was the oldest player to win a match in Basel. However, his compatriot, Stan Wawrinka, broke his record.

Stan Wawrinka leaves Roger Federer behind at Swiss Indoors

At 39 and six months, Wawrinka is still going strong in his career. Yesterday, he got the better of Adrian Mannarino in a tough three-set battle at the ATP 500 tournament in Basel. With this, Wawrinka left the likes of Roger Federer and Jimmy Connors behind and became the oldest man to win a match at the tournament. While being content with his victory, he said, “I know I’m not at my best anymore, but I still love competing.”

Further, talking about the longevity in his tennis career, Wawrinka shared, “I am getting old, I know that. But I am still feeling competitive on the court, and I am pushing myself to keep performing well and keep my level. I have always said that just one or two matches can turn around your confidence.”

The Swiss veteran is currently playing in his pre-quarterfinal match against Ben Shelton. With Wawrinka in good form of late, it won’t be a surprise to see him upset Shelton and dig deep in his home tournament.