THE BLOG BY CPD FOOTBALL | The World of Indian football and beyond by Chris Punnakkattu Daniel

Federer cancels Gerry Weber Open participation

Roger Federer has cancelled his participation in the GERRY WEBER OPEN 2011 at 20.09 CET. Federer lost the French Open final yesterday against Rafael Nadal and it seems like the Swiss superstar is quite disappointed about the defeat at Roland Garros. Federer was scheduled to face Lleyton Hewitt on Wednesday.

“I’ve unfortunately had to pull out of the Gerry Weber Open in Halle, Germany. I am very disappointed as it is one of my favorite tournaments on the ATP World Tour, but my body and especially my groin need a rest after the French Open. After talking with my team this morning, I feel that it is too big a risk to take a chance and aggravate it before Wimbledon,” Federer stated in an official communiqué to the tournament organizers.

“I send my very best wishes to the tournament organizers and all my fans in Halle, and again I am so sorry I can’t go this year. But I will see you next year,” he concluded.

Tournament director Ralf Weber: “It is a personal disappointment for me and I have no words to describe it properly.”

“The whole tournament was themed around Roger’s participation and he never gave us any signals that he had health issues,” Weber continued.

Roger Feder signed a LIFETIME CONTRACT with the GERRY WEBER OPEN organizers last year and Weber emphasized the obligations Federer need to respect. “We expect that the contract is filled with some life and not only non-binding memoranda of understanding,” Weber said.

“It is really sad for all the fans who bought tickets to see Roger in action,” Weber added. Weber indicated that the organizers are evaluating the possiblities to offer some incentives to the ticket holders.