A Monday like no other
At the world's third largest indoor tournament and being held in Basel, the main tournament – which boasts an outstanding field – will be opened on Monday, 2 November 2009 to much fanfare in the truest sense of the word. Starting the proceedings for the 40th edition of the Davidoff Swiss Indoors will be Roger Federer, the century's most creative tennis player, and the legendary Spanish soprano Montserrat Caballé in a one-off mixture combining sport and culture. The Catalan, one of the planet's most eminent opera singers, will be accompanied by the Opera Choir of the Theater Basel and the Basel Festival Orchestra.
Caballé and Federer both began their world careers in Basel
The careers of these two artists of the century both began in Basel, Caballé's in 1956 in Puccini's La Bohème, and Federer's on court as a ball boy at the world-class event in the St. Jakobshalle. Now, the best ambassador the global sport of tennis has ever known is returning to his home town. Following the opening ceremony (17.30 hours), Roger Federer will get matters underway at around 18.30 hours with the declared aim of becoming the first player in history to win the Davidoff Swiss Indoors for the fourth time and thus setting yet another record in his amazing career. To date, the Swede Stefan Edberg is tied with Roger Federer in terms of tournament victories, also having won the Basel title three times.
Respect for Federer’s life’s work
In today’s society, showing respect is almost as difficult as earning it. As the recognised focal point in Switzerland for world tennis, Basel is therefore taking this opportunity to pause and reflect on Federer’s wonderful career and pay tribute to the champion of all champions prior to the end-of-season race towards the ATP World Tour Finals in London. By winning his 15th major tournament title in Wimbledon, Federer overtook Pete Sampras in the Grand Slam standings with a record of achievements which will go down in history. Tournament president Roger Brennwald will therefore honour Roger Federer on behalf of the Davidoff Swiss Indoors and present him with a replica of each of the three trophies that the player has won to date in the St. Jakobshalle.
A first for Caballé
Federer’s on-court variety and culture will combine in harmony with Caballé’s majestic voice. "As a citizen of Nadal’s homeland, I am delighted to be able to see Federer play live", said Montserrat Caballé, who is this year supporting the humanitarian campaigns being run by the Basel tournament. For every ace served during the final round of qualifying matches, companies and sponsors will donate a certain amount.
A field to match that of a world championship
As a premium tournament in the newly created 500 series of the ATP World Tour, the Davidoff Swiss Indoors once again promises to be not just a musical but also a sporting extravaganza. Behind Federer, for whom Basel will represent his only appearance on Swiss soil in 2009, the crème de la crème are taking their places. The participation of the Serb Novak Djokovic (ATP 4) is confirmed as is that of the new Argentine prince Juan Martin del Potro (ATP 6) and the all-action French attacker Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (ATP 7). With four of the world’s top ten ranked players, the Basel event has a field to rival that of a world championship.
Internet makes it easy
Bring the centre court and all additional information into your home! Thanks to the support of CS2 - Creative Solutions GmbH, to enjoy the virtual stadium from the comfort of their own homes tennis fans simply need to click on www.davidoffswissindoors.ch.
Tickets are going fast
In view of the top-quality entries, advance ticket sales are going fast. The centre court will continue to provide space for 9,000 spectators with all seats guaranteeing an excellent view. Tickets for Thursday, 5 November through to Sunday, 8 November are sold out but tickets are still available for Saturday, 31 October through to Wednesday, 4 November 2009, from the following advance ticket sales outlets:
Ticket hotline Tel. +41 (0)900 55 22 25 (CHF 1.-/min.)
Tickets online, Internet www.davidoffswissindoors.ch
Membercards, VIP tickets Tel. +41 (0)61 485 95 88
