Roger Federer declines Tennis Australia’s special invite to attend the 2023 Australian Open
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Roger Federer
Roger Federer brought an end to his illustrious career during the 2022 season. Having turned Pro in 1998, the Swiss maestro went on to win 20 Grand Slam titles in 22 years. The former World No. 1 broke a plethora of records as he etched his name in history as one of the finest players ever.
Federer retired at the 2022 Laver Cup after his doubles defeat partnering old rival-turned-friend Rafael Nadal. It was an emotional farewell as one of the sporting greats was saying goodbye to a sport he loved. The Swiss has, since then, made quite a few public appearances as he embraces life after retirement.
While Federer was paid tributes by not only his fans but by various tournaments as well, the Australian Open wanted to go a step further. Tennis Australia was planning to invite their six-time winner for the 2023 edition. Federer has reportedly turned down the offer and informed Tennis Australia he won’t be making the trip Down Under as per Dailymail UK.
Craig Tiley-led Tennis Australia will however be looking on to bring the former World No. 1 back at Melbourne Park for the 2024 edition. With only Novak Djokovic ahead of Federer in the list of Australian Open titles in the Open Era, the tournament seeks to give him a fitting tribute.
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Reason not specified for Roger Federer’s refusal
The 2022 Wimbledon Championships saw the Grand Slam hold its centenary celebrations. In the ‘Parade of Champions’, Roger Federer was one of the many greats who graced the occasion. The eight-time Wimbledon champion was still active on the Tour but his fitness levels did not allow him to play at The Championships.
Tennis Australia would have taken inspiration from Wimbledon in honoring its champions and might have extended an invitation to Federer. However, with the Swiss maestro refusing the offer, proper reasoning was not given. The 20-time Major winner had announced he would focus more on his family now and that seems the only plausible reason why he may have refused to fly Down Under.
Nevertheless, his absence will definitely be felt at the 2023 Australian Open which starts on January 16 at Melbourne Park. Rafael Nadal will be defending his title and Djokovic will be aiming for his record-extending 10th Australian Open title, heating up things at the Grand Slam. With the new generation also looking to halt the dominance of the veterans, tennis fans are counting the days before action begins.
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Sarthak Shitole
(3462 Articles Published)