Roger Federer is not the person you’ll think about when the conversation is about bad conduct. However, the Swiss maestro has been fined $3000 for doing exactly that.
The case in point is his tense match with American Tennys Sandgren where he saved 7 match points to snatch a victory from the claws of defeat in an epic five-set clash. Roger has been charged with using an “audible obscenity” in his quarterfinal victory.
When Did Roger Federer Use The Obscenity During The Match?
The 20-time grand slam champion had been given a warning during the match. He received the code violation in the third set.
A lineswoman reported Federer to the umpire Marijana Veljovic, who issued the warning.
What Did Federer Say About The Warning?
Roger Federer was not too happy about the fine. The Swiss star confessed that he understood the rules. However, one transgression in five matches was not a bad ratio.
“Honestly, to be frustrated at one point for over, I don’t know, 15 hours… I think it’s normal. I found it a bit tough. It’s not like I/m known to throw around words and whatever. It’s not like the whole stadium heard it either. But no problem, I’ll accept it.”
Interestingly, Federer told reporters on Tuesday that he had sworn in a “mix of languages.”
This is what he had to say about the lineswoman – “Clearly she speaks mixed. Didn’t know that. Next time I got to check the linespeople.”
Roger Federer has received a fine in the past at a major tournament. At the 2009 US Open, he was fined for being verbally abusive as he got defeated by Juan Martin Del Potro in the final.
This is not the first incidence of a fine being imposed at this edition of the Australian Open. Benoit Paire faced a $7500 fine in his first-round doubles match for unsportsmanlike conduct. Kyrgios was fined the same amount as Federer when he smashed his racquet in the match against Nadal.
The fines that are received at Grand slams are utilized for a good cause. They go to the Grand Slam development fund which is used for the development of tennis in the emerging world.
“Hope To Get At Least One Match Point”- Novak Djokovic On Semi Final Clash Against Roger Federer
The Serbian star Novak Djokovic is all set to face off against Roger Federer in yet another major match at a grand slam. The two have had numerous grand slam battles in the past. However, this time the scales look tipped too heavily in the favour of the Serb.
Roger Federer has looked in trouble in his last three matches. This is when he was not facing seeded players. However, this time, he takes on a red hot Novak Djokovic who is running through his competition.
However, Novak is convinced that Roger Federer is still supremely dangerous. He says this in the backdrop of the Swiss star saving seven match points and coming back to win the match.
What Did Novak Djokovic Say?
Novak Djokovic had little problem in disposing of the Canadian Milos Raonic in straight sets. With this, he showed why he’s the top contender for the title.
However, in the more interesting Federer-Sandgren match, Roger survived his third consecutive upset scare.
This is what Novak had to say about Federer’s miraculous feat –
“I hope to get at least one match point in a few days (v Federer). It was quite amazing what he has done on the court today and it’s not the first time that he’s done that in his career. That’s why he is who he is. Let the better player win.”
Novak’s words are not just performative respect. Despite the chinks in his armour, coming back to win from 7 match points down is just brilliant determination.
In the post-match press conference, Novak talked about his impressive grand slam record against Roger Federer. The last time Roger earned a grand slam victory over him was in 2012. Despite that, Novak believes he has not been completely dominant.
He cited the example of the 2019 Wimbledon final where Roger was just a point away from beating him.
However, the catch here is the injury that Roger seems to have picked up. He looked uncomfortable while moving during the course of the match. Post-match, he confessed that he was actually in pain and was just looking to get done with the match.
Do you think Roger Federer can defeat an in-form Novak Djokovic?
