20-time grand slam champion Roger Federer has opened up about one of the most difficult moments he experienced during his recent tour of South America.
In an upcoming documentary for ESPN, the world No.3 speaks about coping with the last-minute cancellation of his match in the Colombian capital of Bogota. Federer was due to play Alexander Zverev at the Movistar Arena, however, ongoing anti-government protests in the country resulted in a curfew and the match being cancelled.
“We went to warm up and were having a blast on the court, but then everything started to get a bit crazy,” Federer said. “I was thinking is this the best scenario? People need to get home and be safe and this was when I knew we shouldn’t play, it was too much stress and pressure for everybody.”
Colombia has been gripped by violent protests in recent months against the country’s president Iván Duque Márquez. Protesters are calling on the government to maintain the minimum wage for young people and a universal pension system.
“I had a bit of a breakdown. It was not going to be the dream match it was supposed to have been and I could feel it all falling apart. When I came back [to the locker room] I was emotionally wasted.“ Federer revelled.
According to Reuters news agency, footage from Federer’s upcoming documentary shows him returning to the locker room after the match was cancelled. He then broke down in tears and was consoled by Zverev, who gave him a hug. The 38-year-old has played in the country before. In 2012 he took part in an exhibition match against Jo-Wilfried Tsonga.
Besides Colombia, Federer’s South American tour was a huge success. In Mexico he set a new world record for the most attended tennis match. More than 42,000 people turned up to watch him play in Mexico City. He also sold out arenas in Chile, Argentina and Ecuador.
“It was an unbelievable and amazing trip, each step along the way as the fans expressed their love of the sport and appreciation for the experience,” the former world No.1 said.
“There were so many highlights, it was truly a magical adventure and a blast as well.”
Federer will return to action later this month. Shortly after Christmas he will travel to China and play in the Hangzhou Tennis International Invitational Tournament. A brand new three-day exhibition event. He has recently signed a contract to appear at the event every year until 2023.
Roger Federer: Everywhere is Home will air on ESPN (America) at 8pm Eastern time.
