Federer's perfect response to rival's 'special treatment' swipe
Roger Federer has hit back in perfect fashion over a rival player’s stunning accusations.
French player Julien Benneteau caused a major stir during an interview on French radio station RMC Sport on Sunday, in which he said tournament referees were often kinder to Federer when it came to scheduling his matches.
Benneteau was specifically referring to the Australian Open where he said the 20-time grand slam champion played “12 or 13” of his 14 matches at Melbourne in the past two years at night, avoiding the often scorching temperatures.
On Wednesday after his victory over Dominic Thiem at the ATP Finals, Federer responded in measured and classy fashion.
He refused to engage in a war of words with Benneteau and believed the situation has been “totally taken out of context”.
“I know about the comments. But I don’t really feel the mood during a World Tour Finals to discuss that topic, to be honest,” he said.
“In all fairness, I hope you understand why, because this is a bit of a celebration for tennis.
“For me it’s the year-end finale. I love playing here.”
Federer labelled Benneteau a ‘nice guy’ and suggested his comments weren’t as bad as what’s being reported.
“The radio interview that happened over a week ago that surfaces now in French, Julien, who is a nice guy, I know him since the junior times, I think all of this has been totally taken out of context.”
When asked if there was any truth to Benneteau’s claim that Federer’s agent put in a request that he not play on the new Arthur Ashe Stadium at this year’s US Open, the Swiss legend replied:
“I get asked, ‘would you like to play Monday or Tuesday sometimes’.
“Sometimes I get asked, ‘do you want to play day or night?’ Sometimes they go ask the agent.
“Sometimes they ask me, you know, Asia wants you to play at night.
“Yes, sometimes we have our say. But I asked to play Monday at the US Open. I played Tuesday night.
“It’s all good, you know. I’ve had that problem for 20 years in the good way. Sometimes I get help, sometimes I don’t. I think there you have it.
“Yeah, sometimes they come ask, sometimes they don’t. But a lot of the facts are not right, just to be clear there, from what I heard.”
Tennis Australia hits back
Earlier on Wednesday, Tennis Australia boss Craig Tiley launched a staunch defence of his organisation’s scheduling.
“In terms of players and their appeal, it needs to be said that Roger Federer is a once-in-a-generation player widely regarded as one of the biggest ‘box office’ athletes in the world,” a statement read.
“He has been regularly voted Australia’s favourite athlete.
“The fans demand his appearance in the big stadiums and our broadcasters naturally want his matches to air in prime time.
“And I don’t think there’s a tournament director in the world who’s not going to take those factors into account when setting the schedule.
“This is the case with all the big names in tennis, and in sport in general.”