Halle Mark: Federer Signs Lifetime Pact With Gerry Weber Open

Written by: Staff on 7th June 2010

Halle Mark: Federer Signs Lifetime Pact With Gerry Weber Open |

The grass will be greener in Halle for the rest of Roger Federer’s career.

The 16-time Grand Slam champion and the Gerry Weber Open in Halle have signed a unique
partnership for the remainder of Federer’s playing career. Tournament director Ralf Weber and the Swiss signed an agreement which ensures Federer will participate in Germany’s only grass court tournament until he ends his career.

“I am delighted,” said Federer. “It feels a bit like I am getting married. I wanted to plan more long-term. I want to build up friendships and I get on really well with Ralf and Gerhard Weber.”

Tournament organizers believe Federer, a wildly popular presence in Germany, could play the tournament for the next five yeras.

“Tennis fans can be glad that they will get to see Roger playing at the Gerry Weber Open for many more years to come,” said Ralf Weber. “I am convinced that he will be serving here still in 2015.”

Weber and Federer signed the “Lifetime Contract” in front of a mass collection of TV teams, reporters and photographers at the Gerry Weber Sportpark Hotel in Halle.

“Halle has always been a really important tournament in my career,” Federer said. “I have always been happy
here, played successfully and gained momentum going into Wimbledon. Therefore, I would also
like to continue this partnership.”

The six-time Wimbledon winner had spent 285 weeks atop the ATP world rankings. Rafael Nadal surpassed Federer to regain the World No. 1 ranking after sweeping Robin Soderling in straight sets in Sunday’s French Open final. Federer is one week short of tying 14-time Grand Slam champion Pete Sampras, who held the top spot for 286 weeks.

“But my aim is to be at the top come the end of the year,” said Federer, who was likely to lose the top spot after Wimbledon anyway since Nadal has no points to defend at the grass-court Grand Slam. “Being number one remains my priority.”
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Topics: Atp World Rankings, French Open, Friendships, Gerhard Weber, Gerry Weber Open, Gerry Weber Sportpark, Gerry Weber Sportpark Hotel, Grand Slam Champion, Grass Court, Hotel In Halle, Mass Collection, Pete Sampras, Rafael Nadal, Robin Soderling, Roger Federer, Straight Sets, Tennis Fans, Tournament Director, Tournament Organizers, Wimbledon