Federer to play on in 2021; confirms Halle participation

Roger Federer has confirmed he plans to continue playing in 2021 after the grass-court season was abandoned due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Federer, who is currently recovering from knee surgery, had planned to return to action at the Noventi Open in Halle before embarking on another Wimbledon title pursuit.

With Wimbledon announcing the tournament would be cancelled for the first time since World War Two on Wednesday, Federer took to social media to declare he was ‘devastated’ at the news.

Roger Federer after winning Halle in 2019 (Photo: Friso Gentsch/dpa)

However, the 37-year-old did share some positive news, alluding he had no immediate plans for retirement and had committed to playing the 2021 event in Halle.

“We experience difficult times, however, we will arise from it strengthened,” Federer said in a statement on the tournament’s website. “Already today I am glad and excited about my return to Halle the next year. Stay healthy!”

Barring injury, one can assume Federer is then guaranteed to play Wimbledon at least one more time.

With the Tokyo Olympics also pushed back to 2021, Federer will seemingly hang around for one last chance at securing a singles gold medal.

Federer is a beloved figure in Halle and has won the title on a record ten occasions, including last season when he beat David Goffin in the final.

Along with his home tournament in Basel, Halle is the only title Federer has won more than nine times, with the legendary Swiss even being awarded the honour of having a street named after him in the city.

Ticket holders for Halle 2020 can use them for the 2021 edition.

“The tickets already purchased for this year’s ATP 500 grass court event, the 28th Noventi Open in Halle in Westphalia remain valid for the postponed event,” the tournament said. “The respective ticket holders will be contacted in order to be informed about the details.”