Tennis Australia hit back at controversial Federer accusation

Tennis Australia (TA) has hit back at bombshell accusations that it continually gives Roger Federer preferential treatment at the Australian Open.

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.

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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.

Federer’s great rival Novak Djokovic sided with the Swiss legend, insisting Federer’s consistent brilliance had earned him the right for special treatment.

TA boss Craig Tiley launched a staunch defence of his organisation in a lengthy statement explaining their stance.

“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,” the 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.”

Djokovic was diplomatic when asked for his thoughts on the subject after his victory over John Isner at the ATP Finals this week.

“In the end of the day, in a way he deserves the special treatment because he’s six-time champion of Australian Open and arguably the best player ever,” Djokovic told reporters.

“If he doesn’t have it, who is going to have it? People want to see him play on the centre court, and they want to see him play in showtime, the best hours, which is 7:30 at night in Rod Laver Arena.

“I understand Julien’s point because sometimes it does seem that maybe certain players get more favored year after year in certain tournaments.

“On the other side, you have to understand that Federer is a driving force of tennis in terms of revenue, in terms of attention.

“Julien and guys like him are also benefiting from tennis, because of Roger, because of what he has done for the sport.”

Isner went even further, saying the likes of Federer, Djokovic and Rafael Nadal should get even more privileges.

“If anything, maybe they should get more special treatment because those guys, the top players, have made other players below them a lot of money,” the American said after his 6-4 6-3 defeat.

“It is like the Tiger Woods effect in golf. So that is how you can look at a guy like Roger. He is men’s tennis in my opinion. He deserves everything and more that he’s ever had.”