Alexander Zverev has confirmed for the ATP-500 tournament in Basel at the end of October. This means that the German will not be taking part again in the event in Vienna’s Stadthalle, which will take place at the same time.
It will be Zverev’s second appearance in Roger Federer’s native town. At that time he was defeated by Grigor Dimitrov in the first round. As in every season, Federer is also planning the tournament in Basel.
Besides the world number two, Juan Martin del Potro, Marin Cilic, Denis Shapovalov and Stefanos Tsitsipas have also confirmed their participation.
“We are delighted to crown the grand reopening of the St. Jakobshalle with noble quality in our sport,” said tournament director Roger Brennwald. The venue has been renovated and modernised over the past two years. “The high density of top players can bring a surprise or two,” Brennwald is sure.
It was very likely that Zverev would play in Basel and not come to Vienna. Only in May, tournament director Herwig Straka criticized the management of the German shooting star. “Zverev follows pure money. He is far too expensive for us,” he had criticized at the time.