Federer, Nadal and Djokovic
The former men's #1 and 16 time grand slam champ has fellow players scratching their heads wondering why he is such a god dammed stick in the mud when it comes to supporting them in improving conditions for players.
Roger and fellow champ Rafael Nadal butted heads just yesterday over the matter and Rafa took it public...which he immediately regretted.
The following excerpts from ESPN.com News Article
Roger: "We can't always agree on everything," Federer said. "So far it's always been no problem really. Back in the day he (Nadal) 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."
Rafa: "Probably I am wrong telling that to (the media), especially because these things can stay, must stay in the locker room," Nadal said. "I always had fantastic relationship with Roger. I still have fantastic relationship with Roger. Just I said we can have different views about how the tour needs to work. That's all."
Nadal wasn't alone in questioning Federer's stance. Former No. 3-ranked Nikolay Davydenko said Monday he didn't understand why the 16-time Grand Slam champion wasn't supporting his fellow players.
The Russian said that while Nadal and No. 1-ranked Novak Djokovic had been leading the push for changes, Federer had been reluctant to get involved.
"I don't know why Roger is not supporting the players," Davydenko said. "Because he don't want ... any problems. He's nice guy. He's winning Grand Slams. He's from Switzerland. He's perfect. He don't want to do anything, he just try to be an outsider from this one."
Federer countered with this gem:
"I was in the meeting. I completely understand and support the players' opinions," Federer said. "I just have a different way of going at it. I'm not discussing it with you guys in the press room. It creates unfortunately sometimes negative stories. (Strike) is such a dangerous word to use," Federer said. "It's not good for anyone really. We've seen it in other sports happening in the States. That's why I'm always very careful about it. If there's no avoiding it, I'll support the rest of the players. But I just think we have to think it through how we do it, if we do it, can we do it, whatever it is, instead of just going out and screaming about it."
Federer said there are "two or three" big issues that the players have been discussing. They include the length of the season and prize money at Grand Slam tournaments, which some players believe has not increased proportionately with growing profits.
American John Isner said he had been to the meeting and felt the players had a "legitimate beef" over prize money, which is also an issue at the Indian Wells tournament, where Davydenko said those players who lose in the first round can sometimes lose money after paying tax and travel costs to compete."
For a guy that can go toe-to-toe with the best in the world BECAUSE HE USED TO BE THE BEST EVER, Roger is a complete and total wuss.
ESPN.com News Article
Our second favorite tournament of the year is HAPPENING NOW, Down Under: Australian Open website
Roger and fellow champ Rafael Nadal butted heads just yesterday over the matter and Rafa took it public...which he immediately regretted.
The following excerpts from ESPN.com News Article
Roger: "We can't always agree on everything," Federer said. "So far it's always been no problem really. Back in the day he (Nadal) 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."
Rafa: "Probably I am wrong telling that to (the media), especially because these things can stay, must stay in the locker room," Nadal said. "I always had fantastic relationship with Roger. I still have fantastic relationship with Roger. Just I said we can have different views about how the tour needs to work. That's all."
Nadal wasn't alone in questioning Federer's stance. Former No. 3-ranked Nikolay Davydenko said Monday he didn't understand why the 16-time Grand Slam champion wasn't supporting his fellow players.
The Russian said that while Nadal and No. 1-ranked Novak Djokovic had been leading the push for changes, Federer had been reluctant to get involved.
"I don't know why Roger is not supporting the players," Davydenko said. "Because he don't want ... any problems. He's nice guy. He's winning Grand Slams. He's from Switzerland. He's perfect. He don't want to do anything, he just try to be an outsider from this one."
Federer countered with this gem:
"I was in the meeting. I completely understand and support the players' opinions," Federer said. "I just have a different way of going at it. I'm not discussing it with you guys in the press room. It creates unfortunately sometimes negative stories. (Strike) is such a dangerous word to use," Federer said. "It's not good for anyone really. We've seen it in other sports happening in the States. That's why I'm always very careful about it. If there's no avoiding it, I'll support the rest of the players. But I just think we have to think it through how we do it, if we do it, can we do it, whatever it is, instead of just going out and screaming about it."
Federer said there are "two or three" big issues that the players have been discussing. They include the length of the season and prize money at Grand Slam tournaments, which some players believe has not increased proportionately with growing profits.
American John Isner said he had been to the meeting and felt the players had a "legitimate beef" over prize money, which is also an issue at the Indian Wells tournament, where Davydenko said those players who lose in the first round can sometimes lose money after paying tax and travel costs to compete."
For a guy that can go toe-to-toe with the best in the world BECAUSE HE USED TO BE THE BEST EVER, Roger is a complete and total wuss.
ESPN.com News Article
Our second favorite tournament of the year is HAPPENING NOW, Down Under: Australian Open website
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