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Roger Federer's sad announcement after farewell: 'Too soon'

riley morgan
Sports Reporter
·4-min read
Roger Federer (pictured left) cries during his farewell and (pictured right) Mirka hugs Federer at the Laver Cup.
Roger Federer (pictured left) has revealed he won't attend the Basel Open for a tribute after admitting he needs time after the Laver Cup farewell. (Getty Images)

Roger Federer has left his fans in Switzerland saddened after announcing he won't be attending the Basel Open for a tribute after admitting it is too soon after his emotional farewell.

Federer said goodbye to the tennis world after an astonishing career at the O2 Arena in London for the Laver Cup after he teamed up with Rafa Nadal for the doubles in his final match.

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The 41-year-old was joined by his greatest rivals including Andy Murray and Novak Djokovic on court as the Swiss maestro delivered an unforgettable moment in tennis history.

There wasn't a dry eye in the arena as he thanked his wife Mirka, his children and was seen celebrating and embracing Nadal in stunning scenes befitting of the 20-time grand slam champ's swan song.

Federer has stayed away from the spotlight since the Laver Cup, but was expected to make an appearance at the Basel Open.

The icon was initially going to make his competitive comeback at the Basel Open, before announcing he would retire because his knee injury hadn't recovered as planned.

Instead, Federer was asked to make an appearance at his home tournament so fans could pay tribute to their idol.

However, in sad news, Federer has announced his farewell took an emotional toll on him and he wouldn't be making an appearance.

"I thank the Swiss Indoors for their willingness to welcome me in Basel this year. I've been trying to process everything that's happened lately," he said to publication Tages-Anzeiger.

"The celebrations at home in Basel will have a very special meaning and is now too soon for me after London."

Tennis world reacts to Roger Federer announcement

The tennis world was understandably sad that Federer wouldn't be making an appearance at such an important tournament for him.

However, Federer said he would be seeing his home crowd in the future.

Federer said goodbye to the tennis world with a perfect tribute with moments sure to live long in the memory of tennis fanatics.

The tennis world erupted over the images of Federer and Nadal grabbing hands as they cried together during the celebratory tribute.

Mirka then joined Federer on the court as the pair embraced in a beautiful moment.

Broadcast focused on Federer during the tributes, but crowd members picked up the moment Mirka went over and consoled Nadal as he watched the celebration through tears.

Federer became extremely emotional in his post-match interview when he dedicated a special thank you to Mirka for their journey throughout his tennis career.

Roger Federer (pictured left) tears up with Rafa Nadal (pictured right) during the Laver Cup.
Roger Federer (pictured left) was granted a fitting tribute in his farewell and shared tears with Rafa Nadal (pictured right) at the Laver Cup.(Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images for Laver Cup)

"Everybody’s here tonight from my family, so it’s great," Federer said as he broke down in tears.

"I’ve had so much fun over the last 13 years [of marriage]. Everybody’s here, the girls, the boys. My wife’s been so supportive.

"She could have stopped me a long, long time ago, but she didn’t. She kept me going and allowed me to play. It’s amazing. Thank you.”

Federer has admitted tennis will be a part of his future.

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