Tennis world erupts over controversial image of Federer and Nadal
The ATP’s official Twitter account has been forced into a stunning backdown over an image of the world’s top tennis player.
The ATP recently tweeted a promo pic for the upcoming clay court season, with Roger Federer front and centre, flanked by fellow greats Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic.
However the choice to use Federer as the focal point went down like a lead balloon with Nadal’s legion of fans, forcing the ATP to change it.
In my opinion both are legends and both will be very difficult to overcome. Rafa is the king of clay and Roger is the current player with more titles.
They both are incredible and we're fortunate to see them play 🎾.#ATP #Tennis #Nadal #Federer pic.twitter.com/dNOe9IZigD
— KDJE (@KDJE_tennis) April 10, 2019
Many felt it was disrespectful to bump Nadal for Federer, given the Spaniard is the official King of Clay and reeled off 21-straight wins on the surface throughout 2017 and 2018.
He’s won the French Open an unprecedented 11 times, as well as 11 titles on the red dirt in Barcelona and Monte Carlo.
I’m a huuuge Federer fan, but Nadal should be on the center of this image. 🙄
Who did this? And who approved it??!!— Valeria Lima (@limavalePY) April 7, 2019
In the face of the criticism, the ATP actually backed down and changed their image.
The fans have spoken…#ClayCourtThings is back for a second series 😉 pic.twitter.com/yLn6W00SGC
— ATP Tour (@ATP_Tour) April 9, 2019
That move appeased fans.
okay now this poster does have some common sense, thanks 👌🏻and #VamosRafa ❤️🇪🇸
— Marta luisa (@Martita_Padron) April 9, 2019
Laughing at how fast you changed this 😂
— Marta (@martascgomes) April 9, 2019
Looking much better, then the next series can have Federer as main character for grass-court season 👍
— Carlo Flammia (@carloflammia) April 9, 2019
Not the fans, it's history that speaks for itself. And you really should have known better than to rattle million of cages, guys.
— Francesca 🇪🇺 (@Just__Fran) April 9, 2019
The King of Clay finally getting the respect he deserves 👑 pic.twitter.com/TZPYaUlZS6
— Ben Thompson (@BenThommo98) April 9, 2019
However a number of fans then questioned why the players were different sizes, with many believing it ‘demeaned’ the smaller stars.
I am uncomfortable with this too though Rafa is now the center piece as he deserves.
Why should players be in different sizes?!
Or you like a bit of controversy @ATP_Tour ?— Lolita (@LoliLondon) April 9, 2019
It loooooooks awful and demeaning.
We all know who they are and how much they won on clay.
— Lolita (@LoliLondon) April 9, 2019
Why in different sizes？I'm sure you have seen many movie posters,you can find that different actors/actresses have different sizes. It works here too.
— Benjamin_S15🌈🐺🐱 (@S_Benjaming) April 9, 2019
Federer skips Monte Carlo
Federer has previously said he’ll play one lead-up tournament before ending a three-year absence at the French Open.
However it won’t be the Monte Carlo Masters, starting April 15.
Federer is also likely to skip the Barcelona Open (starting April 22) and play the Madrid Open in May.
As for Nadal, he’ll be looking to make a successful return from a recurring knee injury that saw him withdraw from last months’ Indian Wells semi-final and miss the Miami Open.
He’s expected to be back in action in Monte Carlo, where he’ll be aiming to extend his insane record with a 12th title.
