20-time grand slam champion Roger Federer has said he is ‘sick and tired’ of allegations that he is given preferential treatment when it comes to the scheduling of his matches.
Federer cruised to a 6-2, 6-2, 6-1, win over Dan Evans at the US Open on Friday. The match took place less than 24 hours after Evans finished his previous match, which was delayed due to poor weather. Following their clash, the British player suggested that some players on the tour have more power when it comes to when they play compared to others.
“There is probably about four people in this tournament who has a say when they play. Maybe three.” Evans said.
Evans’ comments were aimed at the Big Three. A trio consisting of Federer, Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal, who has won the past 11 grand slams between them. However, Federer has denied that he has any influence when it comes to deciding when he will play. In a rare outburst of frustration during his press conference, the bemused 38-year-old said he has ‘heard this s*** too often.’
“I don’t even know if [my] team asked for day [session]. But [asking] doesn’t mean like, ‘Roger asks, Roger gets.’ Just remember that, because I have heard this s*** too often now. I’m sick and tired of it, that apparently I call the shots. The tournament and the TV stations do.” He stated.
“We can give our opinion. That’s what we do. But I’m still going to walk out even if they schedule me at 4am.”
So far in the tournament Federer has played all of his matches on the premier Arthur Ashe Stadium. The biggest tennis arena in the world. His first match was the last to take place at night and the other two occurred in the afternoon.
The latest victory is the first time Federer has claimed a win without dropping a set this year in New York. He had previously dropped sets against Damir Dzumhur and Sumit Nagal.
“At the end of the day, I think what matters the most for me is that I am in the fourth round, after those two sort of slow starts. Give myself another opportunity to do better, and I did.” He said.
“You almost tend to forget what happened and you move forward. You’re, like, I actually can go through three sets in a row playing really good tennis.”
Federer will play David Goffin next.
