“He was a class apart,” Former Wimbledon champion Richard Krajicek reveals missing Roger Federer despite the star-studded lineup at the 2024 Rotterdam Open

Roger Federer won the Rotterdam Open three times in his career.

“He was a class apart,” Former Wimbledon champion Richard Krajicek reveals missing Roger Federer despite the star-studded lineup at the 2024 Rotterdam Open

Richard Krajicek (left) and Roger Federer (Right) (Image via Imago)

Former Wimbledon champion and Rotterdam Open director Richard Krajicek is happy with the star-studded lineup for the 51st edition of the tournament.

However, he misses Swiss maestro Roger Federer on the Tour. As Rotterdam gets ready to host the likes of Jannik Sinner and Andrey Rublev, Krajicek has said he misses the 20-time Grand Slam champion as they were class apart.

YouTube video

Notably, Roger Federer last competed at the ATP 500 event in 2018, when he won the title by defeating Grigor Dimitrov in the final. The Swiss ace had also won the title in 2012 and 2005. Although it has been over five years, fans miss the legend in action, and Krajicek is no exception. 

FS Video

The former Wimbledon champion also misses Federer in action. Krajicek says Federer was a class apart. 

I am satisfied with this year's Rotterdam field. But I miss Federer. He was a class apart.
Richard Krajicek said.

Daniil Medvedev won’t defend his title at Rotterdam Open

As the player lineup for the 2024 Rotterdam Open is confirmed, it is also confirmed that Daniil Medvedev will not be defending his title at the ATP 500 event. 

Daniil-Medvedev-Rotterdam-2023
Daniil Medvedev with Rotterdam 2023 title (Image via Rotterdam Open)

The Russian ace won the title in 2023 as Medvedev defeated Jannik Sinner in three sets in the final. However, he won’t be taking part in the tournament this year.

Medvedev has not yet recovered from the workload he endured at the 2024 Australian Open. The record number of sets he played during the 24 hours and 17 minutes he was on the court in Melbourne appear to have taken their toll. 

Unfortunately, I have to pull out of Rotterdam. After an incredibly tough and long run in Australia, my body (and especially my right foot) is not recovered enough yet to play come and defend my title. I love playing in Rotterdam, have a long history with the event, and look forward to coming back in 2025.
Daniil Medvedev said. (H/T: Rotterdam Open)

Nevertheless, the player lineup still has some big names. Jannik Sinner will be the top seed at the ATP 500 tournament. Andrey Rublev, Holger Rune, Alex de Minaur, Hubert Hurkacz, Felix Auger-Aliassime, Gael Monfils, and other prominent names will be taking part in the tournament.

In case you missed!