Roger Federer Unveils Guest Appearance Plans for Tournaments in 2024

Roger Federer, the former 20-time Grand Slam champion, has unveiled his plans to attend three or four tournaments this season. After retiring from professional tennis in September 2022, Federer initially turned down several invitations to participate as a special guest at tournaments. However, nine months post his retirement, Federer felt prepared to embark on visits to tournaments, commencing with his attendance at Halle in June 2023—a German ATP 500 event where he boasts a remarkable ten titles.

Following his appearance at Halle, Federer graced Wimbledon, an event where he is revered as an absolute icon and holds a record eight championship titles. Subsequently, he also made guest appearances at the Laver Cup and the Shanghai Masters later in the year. In Shanghai, Federer received the esteemed title of “Icon Athlete of the 2023 Shanghai Masters.”

This year, Federer’s agenda remains consistent, as the former world No. 1 plans to once again grace a select few tournaments as a guest. “Yes, I follow tennis often. Last year I went to four tournaments, in Halle, Wimbledon, at the Laver Cup in Vancouver, in Shanghai. This year I will attend three or four events again,” Federer expressed via Gerald Kleffman.

Reflecting on Federer’s role as a guest at Wimbledon, there was much anticipation surrounding his return to The All England Club following his retirement. At last year’s Wimbledon edition, Federer was spotted on the second day of the event, observing matches featuring Andy Murray and Elena Rybakina.

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When queried by The Wall Street Journal in September about his experience watching Wimbledon matches from the stands instead of competing, Federer provided a candid response. “My dad leaned over and asked me, ‘Wouldn’t you want to be on the court right now instead of just sitting here?’ And I was, ‘Oh, my God, no. I’m so happy sitting here,'” Federer disclosed, exemplifying his contentment in his new role as a spectator.