Connect with us

Hi, what are you looking for?

Sporting ExcitementSporting Excitement

Tennis

Roger Federer responds to selfish bushfire criticism, saying he cares about lower-ranked stars

, Roger Federer responds to selfish bushfire criticism, saying he cares about lower-ranked stars

ROGER FEDERER insists he isnt selfish and cares about lower-ranked players but was left confused by Aussie Open chiefs bushfire safety guidance.

Many players were angry with the tournament organisers for holding qualifiers last week in smoky, dangerous conditions in Melbourne.

Roger Federer spoke to the world’s media before the Australian Open in Melbourne
, Roger Federer responds to selfish bushfire criticism, saying he cares about lower-ranked stars
The Swiss superstar has been practising in Melbourne where air quality has been affected by bushfire smog

Legends Federer and Rafa Nadal were branded selfish by Canadian world No.103 Brayden Schnur, who wanted the sports biggest names to speak up for the lesson-known stars.

Federer claims he met with the top brass and voiced his concerns about the poor air quality following mixed messages about whether it was safe to go outside.

The 38-year-old said: Maybe that message comes a bit late after the ATP Cup is over, after qualifying is over.
Communication is key from the tournament to the people, to the media, to the fans, to the players.

Because you hear its not safe to be outside, keep your pets inside, close your windows.

Then you have court calls, you look at the haze and everything, it doesnt look good.

, Roger Federer responds to selfish bushfire criticism, saying he cares about lower-ranked stars
The 38-year-old says he spoke with tournament chiefs about their “confusing” air quality guidance
, Roger Federer responds to selfish bushfire criticism, saying he cares about lower-ranked stars
Federer was labelled “selfish” for not speaking up for lower-ranked players but he insists he did all he can when air quality became an issue

Iwas in the office and asked: Whats the situation?

I said: I think were all confused. Is it super unsafe or is it totally safe to play?

Advertisement. Scroll to continue reading.

So what can I do? I went to them the first day when it was bad on Tuesday, the next day on Wednesday when it was still bad.

I told them: Look, I just think communication is key for all of us. I felt like I hadnt gotten enough information.

Can I go on court and say: Everybody stop play? I can try. I dont think thats going to do much.

I dont think I can do more than what I did. Im on the council. Ive been on the tour for so long. I came through the lower ranks, the juniors.

At the end of the day we all care for one another. We cross paths in the locker room.

Brit Liam Broady was angry played a qualifier in smog, saying he was left gasping for air during his defeat to Belarusian Ilya Ivashka.Other players have had treatment on court and reported breathing difficulties and headaches.

American qualifier Noah Rubin claims he had blood and black stuff coming out of his nose after his defeat.

World No.6 Stefanos Tsitsipas said he had problems with his lungs after practising in the smoky conditions.

Advertisement. Scroll to continue reading.

Play will be suspended by on-court referees if the level of pollution exceeds 200 over the next two weeks.

No.3 seed Federer, who faces American Steve Johnson on Monday, donated 131,000 jointly with Nadal to the Australian bushfire relief fund.

, Roger Federer responds to selfish bushfire criticism, saying he cares about lower-ranked stars
Federer’s 20th Grand Slam title was the 2018 Australian Open crown
, Roger Federer responds to selfish bushfire criticism, saying he cares about lower-ranked stars
Federer should have won the 2019 Wimbledon men’s singles but wasted two match points against Novak Djokovic

And the pair helped to raise more than 2.7m during a fund-raising rally at the Rod Laver Arena last Wednesday.

He said: I dont think its going to be throughout the entire tournament bad air quality. We should be fine. But the problem is the animals, the forest, the bushes, the people, the fire-fighters. Thats the difficult part.

Im not worried. I worry more for everybody else who is in the fire, in the smoke.

From what we were told in the player meeting, the Olympic Games and other competitions have the numbers set at 300 (before play suspension).

Ours is set at 200. From that standpoint, I think were moving in a very safe range.

Were not here for six months straight at over 200-300. Thats when maybe effects really become bad.

In a separate story, Federer was criticised by teenage climate change activist Greta Thunberg for his sponsorship links to bank Credit Suisse, which has been slammed over its alleged financing of companies investing in the fossil fuel industries.

Advertisement. Scroll to continue reading.

For all Tennis odds and betting, head to Betway Sports.

, Roger Federer responds to selfish bushfire criticism, saying he cares about lower-ranked stars

Advertisement
Advertisement

Latest

Premier League

Arsenal Fans Rally Behind Jailed Journalist Evan Gershkovich, an Arsenal fan and journalist, remains confined in Moscow's Lefortovo Prison on spying charges laid by...

Premier League

West Ham Owner's Criticism David Sullivan, the co-owner of West Ham, has criticized Championship clubs for their high player and manager salaries, questioning why...

Premier League

Heartbreak at Euro 2024 Play-Off Exit Former Arsenal player and Wales captain, Aaron Ramsey, is contemplating his future with the national team following their...

Premier League

Bayern Munich Seeking New Manager Former Manchester United manager Ralf Rangnick is reportedly being considered for the Bayern Munich job as the German giants...

Premier League

Premier League Apologizes for Late Change Tottenham's upcoming clash with Nottingham Forest has been rescheduled with just ten days' notice, causing inconvenience for fans....

Premier League

Arsenal's Search for a New Striker Arsenal continues to hunt for a new striker as Mikel Arteta looks to strengthen his front line. Victor...

Advertisement
Advertisement

Facebook

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement