World No.2 Roger Federer believes certain tournament directors could have done more to defend his decision to miss this year’s clay court swing.
The 36-year-old has returned to action this week at the Mercedes Cup following a two-and-a-half month break from the tour. For the second consecutive season, the Swiss player has opted to skip the clay swing of the tour. Resulting in him missing the French Open. Federer had previously explained that he has done so in order to help protect his body.
“We had some great vacations together as a family and then also alone,” Federer reflected about his time away. “I was travelling for my foundation in Zambia and had a great time there. I hope we can make things happen and provide a better education for the kids there. I practised a lot the rest of the time and also put in some work in the gym.”
French Open director, Guy Forget, previously told newspaper L’Equipe that Federer’s decision to miss the tournament was ‘a pity.’ Meanwhile, former player Ion Tiriac was more critical of the Swiss player. Saying that he ‘didn’t behave correctly’ and took an ‘unfair’ attitude to playing on the clay. Tiriac is the owner of the Madrid Open.
Responding to his critics during an interview with Blic Sports, Federer has defended his scheduling decisions. Arguing that he shouldn’t be expected to play tournaments if he is not fully fit. During the first three months of 2018, he won 17 out of 19 matches played. Claiming titles at the Australian Open and in Rotterdam.
“There is freedom of expression – anyone can say what they want! I do not agree with those who say I should just play.” He said.
“I have high standards, I want people to see the best Roger Federer play on clay too. I’m fine, but I need preparation so that I can keep up with everyone (on the tour). People sometimes forget that it’s not so simple.”
Prior to his knee injury, Federer didn’t miss a single clay season between 1999-2015. He has won 11 titles on the surface so far in his career with the last occuring at the 2015 Istanbul Open. Federer believes that he has been unfairly criticised due to his services to the sport.
“I’ve been on tour for almost twenty years, playing it full for 17 years from January to November! Not like Hewitt or Roddick, who sometimes miss a season because the journey was too far …” He argues.
“My injury made it clear: if I stay longer on the tour – and one would think that this is better for the tour – I have to take breaks.”
Furthermore, the 20-time grand slam champion has suggested that certain officials on the tour should have done more to ‘protect’ him from the critics.
“I understand the frustration of some tournament directors – even those for whom I have already done a lot. But I also think they could protect me and say: ‘Roger is free to decide! Sometimes the criticism goes a bit too far.’” He concluded.
Federer will take on Argentina’s Guido Pella in the quarter-finals of the Stuttgart Open on Friday.
