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Halle boss slams Federer over no-show

Roger Federer is a five-time champion at Halle © Getty Images

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Roger Federer has been criticised by the tournament director of the Gerry Weber Open after the Swiss pulled out of the event at the last minute.

The world No. 3 traditionally uses the grass-court event in Halle, Germany, as his warm-up tournament for Wimbledon, and last year signed a lifetime deal with the event.

However, Federer withdrew late on Monday, citing a groin strain. The five-time winner is a big draw for crowds in Halle and Ralph Weber is unhappy with Federer's conduct

"For me this is a personal disappointment that I cannot describe at the moment. I am stunned," Weber said. "Our plans for the past year have been nearly exclusively with Roger appearing.

"And he never gave us any indication that he had health problems. I clearly expressed my disappointment to his management. We expect that this lifetime contract will be fulfilled in person - and not just a declaration of intent."

While Federer favours Halle, the top players traditionally prefer playing in London at Queen's, with world No. 1 Rafael Nadal and Andy Murray headlining the event this week.

However, with the Gerry Weber Open set to celebrate its 20th anniversary next year, Weber has revealed he has plans to tempt Nadal and Novak Djokovic to play in Germany next year.

"We are already planning for our 20th anniversary and we want to offer something special," Weber said.

"We have already had contact with the management of Rafael Nadal and Djokovic and we know that both don't have a contract with Queen's, so we are definitely working on getting them back to Halle.

"The two have been here when they were young, and it might be unlikely to get both - but we are determined to do our best."

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