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6/7/11 2:42 PM | Johan Lindahl
The last-minute pullout of Roger Federer has left tournament officials in Hale, Germany, fuming after their main drawcard cited a groin strain as his season for missing this week's grass-court tune-up.
News of the decision by the French Open finalist came late on the first day of play and meant that a blockbuster first-round clash between Federer and Lleyton Hewitt - a repeat of the 2010 final won in a surprise by the Australian - would not take place.
"For me this is a personal disappointment that I cannot describe at the moment. I am stunned," said tournament director Ralf Weber. "Our plans for the past year have been nearly exclusively with Roger appearing. And I clearly expressed my disappointment to his management."
Federer, who has won the event five times and has always used it to polish the form which has brought him six Wimbledon titles from the last eight edition, has a lifetime contract to play at Halle, which styles itself after the All England club.
"We expect that this contract will be fulfilled in person - and not just a declaration of intent," said Weber.
Federer said he needed to withdraw for rest after his losing Roland Garros final to Rafael Nadal, who heads the field this week in London at Queen's club. "I've unfortunately had to pull out of the Gerry Weber Open in Halle. I am very disappointed as it is one of my favorite tournaments, but my body and especially my groin need a rest after the French Open.
"After talking with my team, I feel that it is too big a risk to take a chance and aggravate it before Wimbledon."
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A tournament should not rely so much on one player. Federer has a lifetime contract with them, will they close it down when Federer retires? They might turn it into a Seniors' tour.
nadline , 6/8/11 9:42 AM
well, good for Hewitt anyway. At least now he may progress to round 2 :)
deuce , 6/8/11 1:01 PM
Ralf Weber must have read my post above because he's now said that they can't build a tournament around one player so they are going to approach Nadal and Djokovic to see if they'll play Halle instead of Wimbledon from next year. Fat chance.
nadline , 6/8/11 4:09 PM
Sorry, Halle instead of Queens.
nadline , 6/8/11 4:16 PM
don't know about djokovic but rafa will not leave queen's for halle...he has repeatedly said that queen's is one of his favourite tournaments and he likes the environment there....
vrael , 6/8/11 4:34 PM
I think Djokovic might leave as he likes to be topdog. He switched from Wilson to HEAD as he did not want to play second fiddle to Federer.
Now that Federer is fading, Djoko could be the top star at Halle should he move there.
holdserve , 6/8/11 5:59 PM
Halle's a tough sell. It's the wrong direction from Paris if you know what I mean. Also Queen's Club treats the players well and the fans are great. I doubt very highly if Djokovic or Nadal would switch.
cherylmurray , 6/8/11 6:13 PM
Djokovic has played at Halle before *shrugs* he might do it again. Makes sense to stay in London though.
mriiidula , 6/8/11 6:16 PM
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nadal is playing in aegon !!! probably, that's age factor...
tlebin , 6/8/11 7:54 AM