Nadal To Play Basel

Written by: Bob Larson Tennis on 30th April 2013

Conde de Godo Tennis Tournament in Barcelona

Nadal To Play Basel

epa03678188 Spanish tennis player Rafael Nadal returns the ball to compatriot Albert Ramos during their quarterfinal match at the Conde de Godo Tennis Tournament in Barcelona, northeastern Spain, 26 April 2013. EPA/ALEJANDRO GARCIA |

The Swiss Indoors in Basel announced that they have signed Rafael Nadal to play at Roger Federer’s hometown tournament for the first time since 2004. The announcement came after Basel tournament director Roger Brennwald complained that he and Federer have yet to come to an agreement as to under what type of contract he will compete under for the October 19-27 event.

Federer has said that he will play the event regardless of a contract, but apparently both sides are still negotiating.

Federer has played Basel 13 times.

“Roger has always [been our] top priority,” Brennwald told Tages Anzeiger. “We have launched campaigns in the millions for him and allowed him to promote his sponsors, which is not very common. We are grateful for the time we were allowed to have with him. The thing is very simple: We have made an offer to him, which he refused. We have submitted a second offer, which he has not responded to. We do not normally pay a seven-figure [appearance fee].”

Federer is said to be paid at least one million per tournament or exhibition.

While it is common for agents to negotiate contracts for their players, Brennwald is upset that he has been unable to get into direct contact with Federer.

“We actually speak the same language, but with Godsick it’s not fun, “he said. “I’ve never seen anything like it. I can contact Djokovic or Murray if I want. I have spoken personally with Nadal. But with Roger it’s not possible.”

The ATP 500 level tournament also announced that it has increased prize money by five percent to $2.58 million dollars.

The event is investing in infrastructure and will add three more GreenSet courts. The Swiss Indoors will now offer five practice courts