‘The Crowd Was Always On Fire’: Zverev Pays Tribute To Federer In Halle

Gone from the ATP Tour, but still firmly in the minds of fans and players alike.

Roger Federer, a 10-time Terra Wortmann Open champion, was honoured in a special ceremony on centre court Wednesday at the grass-court ATP 500. It was the 103-time tour-level titlist’s first visit to a tennis tournament since his final match as a pro at the 2022 Laver Cup. For many, it was a happy reminder of what the Swiss great brought to life on Tour.

“Off court he was always extremely nice to everyone,” home favourite Alexander Zverev, who was beaten by Federer on the first of his two Halle championship-match appearances in 2017, told ATPTour.com. “He was a true gentleman, but he was still very, very private. He didn’t let a lot of people into his life, I think.

“On the court, it was always a joy to play him, because you knew the stadium would always be sold out, the crowd would always be on fire. So in that regard I think tennis misses him.”

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_{^{Roger Federer greeted hundreds of fans during his visit to Halle on Wednesday. Photo Credit: TERRA WORTMANN OPEN/Valentin Diehl.}}

Another home hope in the Halle field, Yannick Hanfmann, recalls Federer inspiring him as a young player.

“Any time he is around, it’s a good thing, because the guy is a hero to so many. To me as well. I remember I took a trip to Switzerland through a contact, and I was able to meet him. We took a picture when I was maybe 13 or 14 years old, and then a few years later we actually had a practice week together in Dubai. That was surreal, and we kind of recreated that picture.

“I miss Roger of course. I wish I had played him one time. I was close [once] to playing him in a draw. Roger is a legend, so it [was good] to have him here.”