20-time Grand Slam champion Roger Federer says he is unsure how easy it would be to implement a policy allowing the ATP to investigate players over incidents concerning their personal lives.
The former world No.1 has been quizzed about such rules in relation to previous allegations made against tennis star Alexander Zverev. Last year a former girlfriend of the German player claimed she was mentally and physically abused. Olga Sharypova has claims she was punched in the face and even attempted suicide over the abuse.
However, Zverev has continuously denied any wrongdoing and his former partner has never filed any legal proceedings against him. He has previously described the allegations as ‘unfounded’ and ‘simply not true.’
Questioned about Zverev on Monday ahead of his return to competitive tennis, Federer reluctantly spoke out about the issue. He has previously embarked upon a South American exhibition tour with his fellow peer. Earlier this year Zverev opted to part ways with management company Team8, which was co-founded by the Swiss maestro. At the time he said his decision occurred following a two-year legal dispute with his former agent. Although it was speculated that the move might have been linked to the abuse allegations.
“These are decisions that (co-founder) Tony (Godsick) takes, and the team,” Federer replied when asked during his press conference in Geneva.
“Look, Sascha is a great guy. I’m really happy for him when he does well. But I don’t get involved in those types of decisions.
“For me this is something that is anyway in the past now, and I think for Sascha it’s important to have his team and be comfortable with his team.
“All of the allegations, that’s super private stuff that I really don’t want to comment.”
In the wake of Sharypova’s claims, some have called for the ATP to investigate the matter and implement a domestic abuse policy. Zverev isn’t the only player to have previously faced such allegations. Nikoloz Basilashvili has previously been charged with domestic abuse and a legal case is currently ongoing.
The governing body of men’s tennis has previously issued a statement in which they say “We expect all members of the Tour to do the same, and to refrain from any conduct that is violent, abusive, or puts others at risk.” Meanwhile, three-time Grand Slam champion has called for a domestic abuse policy to be implemented.
However, Federer argues that such a move is difficult to do due to players being ‘independent contractors’ and not belonging to an actual team or group.
“We’re independent contracts, so it’s maybe more complicated than other (leagues),” he said.
“I feel like this is something very personal, and I guess when you’re employed at a club or in a league it’s something very different, because then you get a salary from there.”
“Of course there needs to be a certain code, like they have on the court, but that one’s also gotten more and more strict over the years.”
“So now you want to move over into the private life as well? I feel like for that we have other sets of rules, governments and all that stuff.
“I don’t know that I want to talk about it to be honest. I don’t feel super comfortable talking about it.”
Journalist Ben Rothenberg previously interviewed Zverev’s former girlfriend for Racquet Magazine. He says he has a second part of his interview but is currently unable to find somewhere to publish it due to ‘intimidation tactics and threats from Zverev’s lawyers.’
