Roger Federer drops retirement hint as he reveals reason for tears at Swiss Indoors win

Roger Federer icon won in his hometown of Basel against Romania’s Marius Copil yesterday to become the most successful player in the event’s history with a 7-6, 6-4 triumph. The Swiss has explained he was so emotional after his record ninth Swiss Indoors win because it could be the last time he ever plays at the tournament. “It’s very difficult for me to explain how it feels like,” he told ATP World Tour after his win. “Just walking out for a Basel final was always my dream, already just playing on centre court was a thrill. “Twenty-one years ago for the quality, when you sit there and the trophy ceremony is starting and the ball kids walk out - I remember being in their shoes and me walking out. “I did it for two years and then I gave them all a medal and thanked them for their efforts and I felt like I was looking at myself in some ways you know when Wayne Ferreira and other great players gave me my first medal here in Basel. “To come here and win again in my hometown never knowing if this might be your last time that you had the opportunity to play finals and maybe win for the last time here in my city, it obviously means a lot to me and becomes emotional always at the very end. “I’ve been celebrating already, had a great time - a lot of kiddies running around, cousins and family and friends. “It’s been a super long time, everybody’s here! It’s always more fun when you can celebrate in a big group.” Federer revealed what he was most pleased with about his performances. “I was tense today, I was nervous but it started more throughout the game because I couldn’t get my game going the way I was hoping it to go against Copil. He did very well, came out and played nice tennis. “Thankfully I was really good this week by taking my opportunities, especially on the return of serve. I think that’s what got me the victory this week, not so much the serving but my returning part which I can be very happy about. “After that, I don’t know, of course, I have pressure and nerves but I try to block it aside and just enjoy it as it is and more think about what a privilege it is to be in this position.”

Roger Federer: “99 is a huge number, and ninth title in Basel is crazy”