Roger Federer is arguably the most popular athlete on the planet not only because of his incredible achievements but also because of his style and character.
The Swiss sensation has conquered the heart of millions of followers all over the world, and he won the ATP Fans’ Favorite award for 16 consecutive years (and counting) since 2003. Even if there are a couple of streets named after him in Biel (canton Bern) and Halle (Germany), the Maestro will probably have not the same honor in his own Basel.
No Roger Federer Arena?
As per SFR news, there is an initiative to rename the St. Jakobshalle in “Roger Federer Arena.” The Swiss sensation won the title in that venue 9 times with the strong support of the local fans, but that stadium will probably never be named after Roger.
The local Councilor Martina Bernasconi is pushing a petition to have the Arena renamed, but they collected just 700 signatures while 3000 are needed.
Bernasconi commented: “It has been more difficult than we imagined it would. I regularly hear the well-known counterarguments: that Federer does not pay any taxes.”
Bernasconi had the target to collect the required signatures before the next ATP500 that will be played in Basel by the end of the season. However, that may not happen, “It would be a miracle if the 3,000 firms were ready in three months.” she commented.
This is the perception that some of Roger’s compatriots have after he moved his residence in Dubai years ago.
In the meantime, Roger is getting ready for the upcoming ATP1000 in Cincinnati to bounce back after his heartbreaking loss in the Wimbledon final after he was unable to convert 2 consecutive championship points when he was on serve and after playing a remarkable match.
| Federer flag-bearer in Beijing |
| Embed from Getty Images |
