Former World No 1 Jumps Into Federer Controversy

Roger Federer has raised a few eyebrows with his comments about playing in extreme heat while he himself receives preferential treatment with his schedule at the Australian Open.

“If you want to get to the top, you’ve got to play in all conditions,” Federer said after players sweated it out searing heat.

“We know it can be very hot here in Australia. I remember the days when we had four days of 40 degrees in a row a few years back. Now we got two.

“You know when you come down here that can happen… As long as nothing bad happens, it’s all good.”

But now former US Open champ Andy Roddick says Federer’s easy ride is no surprise.

“Let’s not pretend like this isn’t a business,” Roddick said in a series of tweets. “The longer Roger is in an event, the more eyeballs are on screens, the more ad/sponsor money in etc … so yes, they will listen to what the stars have to say. It’s sensical.”

“I can’t tell you how many times at US based I played second night match after Andre/Pete. Not the preferred time recovery etc. I couldn’t possibly complain, as they built the tournaments and audiences I was gonna play for.”

He also added, sarcastically:

“I’m sure tennis would be much better off as a whole if they played Roger/Rafa/Serena/Novak/Maria out on court 13 just as often as everyone else … I feel like I’m taking crazy pills.”