'Shame on you': Aussie tennis fans rage over Roger Federer 'shambles'
Aussie tennis fans are up in arms after paying top dollar to see Roger Federer in action at the inaugural ATP Cup in Sydney, only for him to withdraw.
Federer has almost certainly played his last match in the harbour city after pulling out the of the event for family reasons.
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Twenty years after meeting his wife at the Sydney Olympics, Federer was to have been the major drawcard for 2020's season-opening showpiece from January 3-12.
But the 20-times grand slam champion has since opted out, leaving a massive void.
"It is with great regret that I am withdrawing from the inaugural ATP Cup event," Federer said in a statement.
"When I entered the event last month, it was a really difficult decision because it meant less time at home with the family and a fully intense start to the season.
"After much discussion with both my family and my team about the year ahead, I have decided that the extra two weeks at home will be beneficial for both my family and my tennis."
At 38 and with four children, 10-year-old twin girls and five-year-old twin boys, Federer's reasons for pulling the pin are entirely understandable.
But Sydney fans, especially those who have already purchased tickets for the 10 days that the new teams' event is being staged at Olympic Park, are particularly disappointed.
Many flocked to social media to complain about buying tickets at inflated prices because of the Federer factor, with calls for refunds.
@atptour @ATPCup @TennisAustralia so I completely respect the #Federer decision which of course is disappointing, after spending considerable $ for a trip to Sydney for 12 days, but what about the premium price paid for the SUI ticket? #dotherightthingatp
— Rachel Thewlis (@stinker1308) October 30, 2019
It’s daylight robbery! I attended Hopman Cup this yr, saw Roger & Serena play that historic mixed doubles match on new year’s night no price hike just sold out. Prices the same for every night session regardless of countries apart from final. Hopman Cup fan & family friendly 👍
— Danielle (@danicara77) October 30, 2019
Me neither, tickets were bought by my sis but will get her to fill the webform.
I actually like watching tennis but I definitely purposely paid a premium to watch Federer, if I don't get to see Federer I would either want the difference back or a refund.— Kary (@kary_cee) October 31, 2019
Frustrating thing about the whole Federer withdrawing from the ATP Cup is that his session is so expensive. If I had bought a ticket to see Thiem instead, who I'm a bigger fan of, I would've saved about $60-70.
— S T (@eNectere) October 31, 2019
Shame on you ATP, referring people who bought Tickets in good faith to the “ticket provider” how about being professional and releasing a statement as to if we will receive a full refund? Please, do the right thing. We spent $500 with you!
— Nicoli_D (@nickoliD) October 30, 2019
How do i get full refund on my tickets which paid much more higher than the other sessions with Roger committed to play before. It is unfair for us who pay more expensive tickets but now receive such unknown schedule
— Piki (@Piki81787976) October 31, 2019
Good Ctrl-C and Ctrl-V skills ATP. Shows how much you care about the Fans and pushing this all onto Ticketmaster. Some of us spent a lot to come see the event and this is how you treat us, with no announcements what’s so ever.
— Princess Kenny (@Pr1nc3ssKenny) October 31, 2019
What a shambles. One player withdraws and a mess. Plenty more to come. Gimmick event, which is poorly thought out and not at all fan focused. Saddest part is that at least two very popular events - Brisbane and Hopman Cup - ruined in the process @TennisAustralia
— gjm (@gjm1508) October 30, 2019
What happens if you bought tickets to one of the Switzerland sessions in Sydney?
— Angus Morrissey (@angus_morrissey) October 30, 2019
i want a refund please! didn’t pay $400 to see nobodies play.
— vivian (@thislovetaylor) October 30, 2019
Ticketmaster has since set up an online form for ticketholders who want their money back.
Has Sydney seen the last of Federer?
While the six-times Australian Open champion has appeared in Perth's Hopman Cup and the Brisbane International on multiple occasions in recent years, Federer hasn't played in Sydney since a 2011 Davis Cup tie - apart from one exhibition night against Lleyton Hewitt.
His only two appearances at the Sydney International came in 2002, when he won the title, and 2003 when he lost in the first round.
Federer's fondest memories of Sydney remain the 2000 Games when the then-broken-hearted teenager found now-wife Mirka's shoulder to cry on after losing the semi-final to Tommy Haas and the bronze medal play-off to Arnaud Di Pasquale.
He twice missed out on securing a medal, but gained a future wife.
Now it seems Sydney has seen the last of Federer the player forever.
The Federer-led Switzerland team had been drawn in Group C alongside Belgium and Great Britain.
But given Federer's withdrawal, ATP Cup officials intriguingly tweeted.. "therefore Switzerland has been withdrawn as a country that qualified at the first entry deadline. An additional six countries will now qualify at the second entry deadline."
with AAP