Roger Federer is setting the record straight about his altercation with a chair umpire at the 2021 French Open.
While playing Marin Cilic on Thursday (a match he eventually won 6-2, 2-6, 7-6 [4], 6-2), professional tennis star Roger Federer, 39, looked to get into an argument with the umpire after receiving a time violation for delaying play.
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Federer was Also Overheard Discussing the infringement with his Opponent at the Net.
Federer claimed after the match that he “didn’t feel like [he] was playing particularly slow.” “Although I don’t think I often keep my opponent waiting for too long, it was evident that Marin was eager to go on. That wasn’t clear to me at all.”
“Ultimately, I just think there was a lot of miscommunication involved. I couldn’t wrap my head around it, and I blame being unfamiliar with the current tour for my failure to do so “Moreover, he said. “Experiencing it firsthand added a new dimension to things. Put some life into the match, which was welcome.”
After the 39-year-old broke the rules by taking too much time in between points, he got into a dispute with the chair umpire.
Clearly perplexed, Federer had a lengthy discussion with the umpire about what had just happened. He then walked up to the net and questioned Cilic from there.
I didn’t think I was playing too slowly, so I’m not sure why […] As far as my opponents are concerned, I never keep them waiting for too long, but it was clear that Marin was in a hurry. Federer said, “I don’t realise it now,” implying that he had forgotten about the episode.
I believe there was widespread miscommunication. I’m completely lost on this new tour and have no idea what I’m doing.
It was a unique experience that I’m glad I got to have. I enjoyed the match because it had some intensity.
Conclusion
Federer eventually beat Cilic 6-2, 2-6, 7-6(4), 6-2, but the heated dispute did not prevent him from reaching to the third round at Roland Garros.
The Swiss player had knee surgery late last year and has only played three times in the past 17 months since his return.
Federer lowered his Grand Slam odds before the clay court major, although he had to face German No. 59 Dominic Koefer in the second round.
