Basel is Beefing Up Its Draw

Written by: Staff on 10th May 2012

Basel is Beefing Up Its Draw |

Even with the French Open start more than a fortnight away, it’s never too early for ATP tournaments to start lining up their talent, That’s the case in Basel, to be held in October, where the indoor event will count again on home hero Roger Federer to head the field.

But added to the mix will be British world No. 4 Andy Murray, who was down to play last year but had to withdraw once he had arrived with injury. The Scot had previously played in 2005, losing a quarter-final to Fernando Gonzalez.

Federer has dominated the event where he got his start in the sport as a ballboy, winning the title for five of the past six editions. In his latest victory, he beat Japan’s Kei Nishikori, a surprise finalist who had stunned ATP No. 1 Novak Djokovic in the semis.

But a special development for the home audience is the presence of Swiss Stan Wawrinka, who lost a 2011 semi-final to Federer. The national No. 2 has signed a contact to 2016 worth around $350,000, Swiss press reported.

Topics: Basel, Swiss Indoors