Swiss city Basel to name tennis venue Roger Federer Arena after its most famous sporting son

Roger Federer to get hometown naming venue honor

BASEL, Switzerland — Roger Federer’s birthplace will rename its international tennis venue for its most famous sporting son.

Basel sports director Peter Howald said on Monday that St. Jakobshalle will be called Roger Federer Arena following a planned renovation.

Howald said the city had discussed ways of honoring the new French Open champion, who completed a career Grand Slam and tied Pete Sampras’ record of 14 major singles titles with his victory Sunday at Roland Garros.

Federer is a three-time defending champion of the Swiss Indoors tournament at St. Jakobshalle. He is scheduled to defend his title Nov. 2-8.