Roger Federer does not get favourable treatment at the Australian Open, insists tournament director
The Swiss star has played 12 of his last 14 Australian Open matches at night on the Rod Laver Arena court
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Your support makes all the difference.Australian tennis authorities have dismissed accusations that they show favouritism towards Roger Federer by scheduling so many of the Swiss star’s Australian Open matches in the evening.
French player Julien Benneteau suggested that enabling Federer to play so many of his matches at the tournament away from the daytime heat raised “disturbing” questions of the organisers, particularly in light of the 20-time grand slam winner’s business relationship with Tennis Australia.
Australian Open tournament director Craig Tiley pushed back on Benneteau’s comments by insisting that the scheduling of Federer’s matches for the evening was a response to fan demand to watch a “once-in-a-generation” athlete, rather than borne out of any desire to cater to tennis’ biggest star.
“In terms of players and their appeal, it needs to be said that Roger Federer is a once-in-a-generation player widely regarded as one of the biggest ‘box office’ athletes in the world,” Tiley said in a statement.
“He has been regularly voted Australia's favourite athlete. The fans demand his appearance in the big stadiums and our broadcasters naturally want his matches to air in prime time.
“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.
“This is the case with all the big names in tennis, and in sport in general.”
Federer, widely regarded as the greatest male tennis player ever, has won the Australian Open six times – a tally matched only by current world No.1 Novak Djokovic in the open era.
Tiley is also an investor in the Laver Cup, a Ryder Cup-style annual tournament promoted by Federer and his management group Team8, but brushed off suggestions of a potential conflict of interest.
“Tennis Australia is justly proud of the success of the Laver Cup, in which we certainly have a share, along with the USTA and other partners,” Tiley added.
“It's been one of the most successful new tennis events in recent times, showing the sport in a new light and attracting new fans. I'd say the success of the Laver Cup has been seen as somewhat of a ‘disruptor’ to the men's game.
“We run our events to the highest standards and reject as well as challenge any claims to the contrary.
“We also make no secret about working hard to provide the very best experience for all the players at the Australian Open. There's no way we can please everyone all the time, and everyone knows we do everything we can.”
Federer is currently bidding to win his 100th career singles title at the season-ending ATP Finals at the O2 Arena in London.
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