Federer shows up Nadal and Djokovic with stunning Saudi snub

Roger Federer has revealed he turned down an offer to play a controversial exhibition match in Saudi Arabia.

The revelation from the Swiss ace comes after Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic both broke their silence on the upcoming showdown in the country.

Human rights advocates have called on the star pair to boycott the match in protest against the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in a Saudi consulate in Turkey.

Nadal and Djokovic have defended their scheduled exhibition match there, but say they will seek more information before committing to the event.

Amnesty International have condemned the game which the pair were at pains to point out they committed to over a year ago – before the recent death of Khashoggi.

“It’s terrible that one journalist lost their life. I know something happened very bad inside there. I hope things will clarify as soon as possible.”

Djokovic issued a similar message, saying: “Of course I’m aware of what’s happening and it’s sad.

“Because right now we just don’t have enough information and we have to look into that a bit more and then we’ll make our decision soon.”

Federer’s decision not to play wouldn’t appear to have anything to do with Khashoggi’s death as deals were put in place around 12 months ago.

“I didn’t want to play there at that time. So, for me, it was a very quick decision,” said Federer.

The 37-year-old confirmed he would break a three-year absence by participating at this year’s Paris Masters tournament.

The Swiss world number three will play Canada’s Milos Raonic in his opening match after receiving a bye in the first round.

Raonic fired 23 aces as he outlasted France’s Jo-Wilfried Tsonga 6-7 (4/7), 7-6 (7/5), 7-6 (7/5) in his opening match.

“I feel like it’s better for me to play matches rather than practice, and I think that’s it. As long as I don’t feel like I’m taking a chance on my health prior to London (the ATP Tour Finals), that’s the key as well,” Federer said.

“I’m happy to play tomorrow. I feel like I recovered well from last week. So yeah, I’ll give it a go tomorrow. I’m excited,” he added, after winning the Swiss indoor championships in Basel on Sunday.

Federer’s only tournament victory in Bercy came in 2011. On his last appearance in 2015 he was knocked out by American John Isner in the round of 16.

It will be the first non-Grand Slam event to feature Federer, Nadal and Djokovic since last year’s Indian Wells Masters.

With AFP