Former World No. 2 Tommy Haas said an emotional farewell to Halle fans Tuesday, carrying his daughter Valentina in his arms as he walked off Gerry Weber Stadion for the final time.
The two-time champion fell 6-4, 6-4 to Australian Bernard Tomic in his final professional grass-court match on German soil.
“Walking with Valentina in my arms is always special, but leaving the court this way for the last time is icing on the cake,” said Haas, who was presented with a commemorative framed photo from Tournament Director Ralf Weber. He also received thunderous applause from fans.
“It was very emotional, obviously. You never quite know how to prepare for your last match at an event, especially one that is very close to you and at which you’ve had great success. I’ve really enjoyed coming back here every year.
“I am happy enough to have made the effort to go out there and give it a go, which wasn’t easy. I am very satisfied with the ending. Tournament Director Ralf is someone I have known for a very long time and it’s one of the best tournaments all year.”
After last week’s inspired win over Roger Federer and an eventual run to the quarter-finals in Stuttgart, Haas said that he was disappointed with his level of play against Tomic today.
“I’m not that satisfied with the way I played today, especially in front of a Halle crowd, but that’s how it goes sometimes. My body wasn’t where I needed it to be the last few days to give it a real good go. He was also a tricky opponent.”
Haas confirmed that he would not play on beyond 2017, but said that he did not yet know which event would be his last.
“My body is doing a lot of things right now that I have no control over, even though I am trying as hard as I can to be as fit as I can. I am looking forward to the tournaments who are still happy to have me. That includes Bastad, Hamburg, Kitzbuehel. I am hoping for a wild card at Wimbledon and after that we’ll see.
"If the body holds up I’d like to play the US Open again and possibly Vienna, but that is really a question mark. I am done after this year.”