World No.1 Roger Federer has confirmed that he will be playing in the 2018 Gerry Weber Open in Halle this year.
Federer: “The tenth title in Halle would obviously be fantastic, something very special and unique in my career. It’s always a great pleasure to come back to a site where I have great memories. The special attraction is that we play in a place away from the city. You can enjoy, relax and have short distances and perfectly prepare for your commitments,”
Federer’s appearance in Halle is no surprise given that the Swiss has only missed playing in the tournament three times since 2000. Absences included 2007, 2009, and 2011. Federer is a nine-time winner of the event, and a further finalist three times.
Among the players to have defeated the veteran in the tournament include Alexander Zverev, close friend Tommy Haas, and Lleyton Hewitt.
Federer has a life-time contract to play at the event, meaning he is committed to playing that tournament in that week of the season as long as he is fit, and still active as a professional player.
A strong week in Halle is normally seen as a good gauge of Federer’s chances of winning Wimbledon. The Swiss has won Wimbledon seven times in years where he has at least made the Halle final.
Federer was handed a boost this week as rival and friend Rafael Nadal was forced to withdraw from the Acapulco event due to a hip injury. Nadal surrenders defending finalist points (300). The battle for the No.1 ranking is set to intensify in the coming weeks. Federer is currently No.1, but will be defending 2,000 points across March as he defends Masters 1000 titles in Indian Wells and Miami respectively.
