Roger Federer and Tommy Haas to play doubles in Halle

It’s the best of both worlds at the 21st Gerry Weber Open: Roger Federer and Tommy Haas are both going to go in search of the doubles title - together. The 31-year-old Federer and the 35-year-old Haas are close friends, and so too are their families. Their start together in Halle is a premiere in the careers of the two stars. “This is great news for our fans,” said tournament director Ralf Weber. “And it’s a spectacular enrichment for the whole tournament.”

Only recently, the maestro and the “Golden Oldie” took part in a combined training camp in Switzerland to prepare themselves for the clay court season. Last year, the two firm fans’ favourites battled it out for the singles title at the 20th anniversary edition of Germany’s only ATP event on grass, and Haas emerged as the surprise champion. Only recently, Federer underlined his great respect for Haas’ comeback among the world’s elite. “What he’s achieved is simply unbelievable,” he said. “It’s also fantastic for our sport and for the fans in Germany." Haas, meanwhile, has always referred to Federer as “the best ambassador you could ever imagine in tennis.”

Both are serious candidates for the singles title at the 21st Gerry Weber Open, and will also be firm favourites for the doubles, which they could both win.

Date: 8th June 2013, Source: Gerry Weber Open