4 times when Roger Federer was frustrated with other players ft. Novak Djokovic
Roger Federer is one of the greatest tennis players of all time, who enjoyed an exceptional career that saw him win 20 Grand Slams, among other achievements. He still holds the record for the most consecutive weeks at the top of the ATP rankings at 237.
Throughout his career, Federer mesmerized crowds with his impressive and elegant game. The Swiss also maintained a calm demeanor on the court for the majority of his career. However, there have been instances when he lost his cool on court and had arguments with the umpire. There have also been a few occasions when Federer was frustrated with other players.
On that note, let us take a look at four instances when the former World No. 1 expressed frustration towards his colleagues.
#4. Nick Kyrgios
Roger Federer criticized Nick Kyrgios for the controversial remarks he made during his 2015 Rogers Cup (now known as the Canadian Open) match against Stan Wawrinka.
The Aussie had made some derogatory comments regarding Wawrinka and Donna Vekic, which also involved Thanasi Kokkinakis.
"Kokkinakis banged your girlfriend. Sorry to tell you that mate," Kyrgios said during the match.
Federer criticized Kyrgios for his comments, stating that the latter "crossed the line by a long shot".
"We all agree that he definitely crossed the line by a long shot. We're not used to that kind of talk in tennis. I know in other sports it's quite common, maybe normal. Not in our sport, really," the Swiss said, as quoted by Tennis.com
Roger Federer and Nick Kyrgios have locked horns seven times, with the former coming out on top six occasions.
#3. Boris Becker
Boris Becker, a former World No. 1, once commented on Roger Federer's positive public image, suggesting that he might sometimes conceal his true emotions.
"The reason Roger is one of the highest-paid athletes of all time is because he's liked by everybody. But think about this – you can't possibly be liked by everybody," Becker wrote. "He makes good money out of his image, but would he make less if we saw a bit more of his true feelings?"
Federer responded to Becker's comments by saying that he didn't know what the latter was trying to say. The Swiss also stated that he just tries to be himself instead of trying to please everyone.
"I don't really know what he was trying to say. I know him somewhat well and we get along really well. He was a hero of mine. It's odd to hear that. I don't try to please everyone. I'm just trying to be myself," the then-33-year-old USA Today.
#2. Rafael Nadal
During Australian Open 2012, Rafael Nadal criticized Roger Federer for not helping make the schedule less tedious for his fellow players.
"I disagree with him. His (position) is easy, Do not say anything, all positive, I am a 'gentleman', others get burned. To finish your career with pain in all areas of your body is not positive," the Spaniard said.
"He finishes his career as fresh as a daisy because he is physically privileged, but neither Murray nor Novak Djokovic and I are fresh as a daisy," he added.
Federer responded to Nadal's comments by calling the Spaniard a "grown up", adding that there was a time when the latter used to agree with all of his decisions.
"We can't always agree on everything. Back in the day, he used to say: 'Whatever Roger decides, I'm fine with.' Today he's much more grown up. He has a strong opinion himself, which I think is great. It's what we need, especially on the council. It's been nice working with him," the Swiss said.
#1. Novak Djokovic
Federer criticized Novak Djokovic for retiring mid-match during his Australian Open quarterfinal against Andy Roddick in 2009. At that time, Djokovic had a history of retiring from matches, with seven instances from 2005 to 2009.
During his match against Roddick, Djokovic won the first set via a tiebreak but the American bounced back to take the next two sets. However, the Serb retired while trailing 1-2 in the fourth set.
Federer criticized Djokovic's withdrawal, claiming that Roddick deserved to win the match. The then-World No. 2 also seemed to imply that athletes should not compete if they are not physically prepared.
"He's not a guy who's never given up before. It's disappointing. I've only done it once in my career. Andy (Roddick) totally deserved to win that match. I'm almost in favor of saying, you know what, if you're not fit enough, just get out of here," the Swiss said.
Federer and Djokovic Djokovic engaged in a highly competitive rivalry, characterized by many intense matches. They faced each other 50 times, with Djokovic holding a slight advantage in their head-to-head record at 27-23
Djokovic emerged victorious with a score of 7-6(1), 6-4, 6-3, advancing to the final, where he defeated Dominic Thiem to claim his eighth Australian Open title.