Brazil must improve tennis facilities: Federer

Sao Paulo, Dec 10 (IANS): Roger Federer says Brazil needs to improve its tennis facilities if it is to hold future ATP World Tour events.

The 17-time Grand Slam winner is currently in Brazil for an exhibition tournament at the 10,000-capacity Ibirapuera Gymnasium here, reports Xinhua.

Speaking after his 7-6 (7-3), 6-3 victory over France’s Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, Federer said Brazil needed “to think bigger” to stage elite tournaments in future.

“I think some things need to be improved if you want to make sure the fans have the best experience possible,” the Swiss World No. 2 told Estado de Sao Paulo.

“The international media will always make comparisons. You have to think big. Obviously the ATP sets high standards regarding facilities.

“This venue (Ibirapuera) is a little old and it needs to be bigger but the atmosphere is great and the fans incredible. There is no need to worry about that side of things.”

World No. 8 Tsonga said the 2014 FIFA World Cup and 2016 Rio Olympics could provide the boost tennis needs in Brazil.

“I think in the future Brazil is going to improve a lot,” Tsonga said.”It will host the World Cup and the Olympics which are going to be great events. I am sure that in the future Brazil will be able to host a big tennis tournament.”