Tennis star Roger Federer turns down the invitation to the Australian Open in a big blow to the organizers

Tennis superstar Roger Federer has turned down an invitation from Tennis Australia to attend this year’s Australian Open, denying organizers a major coup following the Swiss ace’s retirement.

Federer, who was the face of tennis for two decades, retired in 2022 after struggling with injury and form – and is now enjoying the quiet life at home with his family.

Tennis superstar Roger Federer has turned down an invitation from Tennis Australia to attend this year’s Australian Open, denying organizers a major coup following the Swiss ace’s retirement

Federer, who was the face of tennis for two decades, retired in 2022 after struggling with injury and form – and is now enjoying the quiet life at home with his family

During the sporting icon’s farewell event in September, Tennis Australia officials asked the 20-time Grand Slam champion if he was interested in participating in the 2023 Australian Open in any way.

Federer is still one of the most marketable athletes in all sports and his participation in the event would have been a huge coup, but the 41-year-old has made it clear he will not make the trip.

However, it is understood that Tennis Australia will try to lure the tennis icon to Melbourne Park in 2024.

Next year’s event marks 20 years since Federer first won his maiden Grand Slam in Australia, which he won a further five times over the course of his career.

During the sporting icon’s farewell event in September, Tennis Australia officials asked the 20-time Grand Slam champion if he was interested in participating in the 2023 Australian Open in any way (Federer pictured after winning the Australian Open in 2010).

In 2019, Federer revealed he loved coming to Australia but found the Australian Open a very “tiring” tournament

In 2019, Federer revealed he loved coming to Australia but found the Australian Open a very “tiring” tournament.

“I think the thing is here at the Australian Open, and look I call it the happiest country. It’s a great, great event. The only difficult part here is that there are 300 players and 300 coaches and guests and more and this and that,” Federer told The Project.

“And in the end there’s just so many people on the site and it’s okay, we’re happy to see each other.

“But it’s like you see someone around every corner and it’s like another handshake, another hello and another this.

Despite not playing much at all in 2022, Federer topped the list as the highest-earning tennis player with $90.7 million, edging out boxer Canelo Alvarez and American footballer Tom Brady.