World No.3 Roger Federer has refused to get drawn into a debate over allegations that he receives special treatment at the Australian Open due to his business interests.
During a recent interview with French Radio station RMC Sport, former top 30 player Julien Benneteau claimed that the 37-year-old receives favorable scheduling at the Melbourne grand slam. Benneteau has suggested that there is a conflict of interest between Federer and tournament director Craig Tiley. Pointing out the Swiss players business interests with tennis Australia.
“He’s the Australian Open tournament director,” Benneteau told RMC Sport.
“And the man is paid by Roger Federer’s agent for the Laver Cup.
“Over the last two Australian Opens, (Federer) played 14 matches, because he was champion and finalist. And he played 12 or 13 of his 14 matches in the night session.”
Questioned about the comments for the first time following his win over Dominic Thiem, a reluctantly speaking Federer said the quotes have been ‘taken out of context.’ On Monday fellow players Novak Djokovic and John Isner dismissed the idea of favoritism being an issue in the sport.
“I don’t really feel the mood during a World Tour Finals to discuss that topic, to be honest. In all fairness, I hope you understand why, because this is a bit of a celebration for tennis.” Federer replied when questioned.
“Julien, who is a nice guy, I know him since the junior times, I think all of this has been totally taken out of context.”
“I don’t feel like I need to comment on this. I’d rather put it to rest rather than adding to it so you guys got something to write about. “
Pressed further, Federer diplomatically sidestepped one claim that his agent, Tony Godsick, requested for him to not play on the Louis Armstrong Court at the US Open. According to Benneteau, Godsick went to the umpire office and effectively said ‘‘No way are you scheduling him here!’
“Sometimes I get asked, Do you want to play day or night? Sometimes they go ask the agent.” He explained. “Sometimes we have our say. But I asked to play Monday at the US Open. I played Tuesday night. It’s all good, you know. I’ve had that problem for 20 years in a good way. Sometimes I get help, sometimes I don’t.”
Whilst Federer is reluctant to go into details about the subject, the Australian Open has hit back in a lengthy statement. Citing the credentials of the Swiss as one of the reasons why he is usually scheduled to play on the premier courts. Federer is a six-time winner of the tournament. Winning 94 out of 107 matches played there throughout his career.
“Roger Federer is a once-in-a-generation player widely regarded as one of the biggest ‘box office’ athletes in the world,” tournament organizer Tiley said in a statement. “He has been regularly voted Australia’s favorite 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.”
Federer will return to action on Thursday at the ATP Finals when he takes on Kevin Anderson.
