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1/19/12 5:25 PM | Johan Lindahl
Roger Federer was absolutely unconcerned about playing a potential match in "exile" on the Hisense arena at the Australian Open.
The four-time champion has been on outside courts at other majors despite his guaranteed sellout status at the biggest of the Grand Slam venues.
But that didn't prevent Australian Open officials, led by TD Craig Tiley, from pulling a little joke on the third seed who had played 52 consecutive matches on the main Rod Laver arena. Hours before the intended start, officials faxed the Swiss a map with directions on how to reach the venue and also sent a long a picture of a helicopter by way of a transport suggestion, according the Melbourne's Herald-Sun.
Federer eventually got a walkover against German opponent Andreas Beck, suffering with a bad back. But even if he had made the trek out to the far corners of Melbourne Park, it would not have bothered the third seed.
"At Wimbledon and the French we play at the second court," he said, referring to Wimbledon's NO. 1 and the Suzanne Lenglen at Roland Garros.
"It's just here and at the US Open where they have more night sessions and more space for men's matches on the centre court that it's really difficult for you to be moved out," he explained.
"But when the draws are such that me and Rafa are in the same section, and you have Tomic, I guess, I expect it to happen.
"When I saw that Rafa played an Hisense the first day, I expected my second round match was going to be there, too. I was excited I wasn't disappointed to hear that I was going to play there, to be quite honest."
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Manwhile,
Andy Murray would be happy to have all his matches at the Australian Open scheduled for Hisense Arena - especially if the blustery conditions in Melbourne continue.
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/tennis/article-2088400/Australian-Ope n-2012-Andy-Murray-wants-play-games-Hisense-Arena.html#ixzz1jvwJuGpv
nadline , 1/19/12 8:20 PM
Murray should be happy wherever he is scheduled to play.
mani4Tennis , 1/19/12 8:57 PM
When Andy gets the privileged scheduling Federer gets, I'm sure he will be very happy indeed.
deuce , 1/19/12 9:03 PM
deuce..
Its all about fan following and revenues.
mani4Tennis , 1/19/12 9:51 PM
Tennis organizers are making a big mistake by putting all their eggs into one basket. What will happen when Federer retires as he will in the next few years, how are they going to fill C. Courts around the world?
nadline , 1/19/12 11:48 PM
^^Its all about fan following and revenues
heh, lots of empty seats in RLA today.
racquet , 1/20/12 4:32 AM
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Ooooooh.... now I am calm :)
Couldn't sleep last night... worrying about Fed's exile... LOL!
Breking news... no doubt!.... and you heard it first from....JOHAN!!!!
zare , 1/19/12 8:03 PM