Tennis world stunned by Roger Federer's surprise outburst
Asides from the championships, poise under pressure, unforgettable matches and that incredible backhand, if there’s one thing Roger Federer’s reign at the top of the tennis world has been characterised by, it’s his calm, gentlemanly behaviour. But a recent on-court outburst in a match against Juan Martin Del Potro had the Swiss tennis ace looking anything but the Federer of old.
The two faced off in a tense decider at the Indian Wells Masters in California on Monday, where raucous fans started to get on both player’s nerves.
Del Potro was victorious 6-4 6-7 (8-10) 7-6 (7-2), ending Federer’s unbeaten start to 2018, but it was the behaviour of the crowd that made headlines with fans audibly yelling out between serves, hoping to put the Argentinian off.
The World No 8 quickly lost his nerve at the yelling fans and remonstrated chair umpire Fergus Murphy for not doing enough to bring them into line.
“The people are screaming when I miss a first serve!” a filthy Del Potro yelled.
And it wasn’t long before Federer started to lose his cool.
2nd set 7-6 Roger! #BNPPO18
Keep going! Go! Go! Go! #Federer 🙏🎾 pic.twitter.com/iawVpGk9yk— Suama (@suamax88) March 18, 2018
Viewers watching the match were quick to note this.
While both players were starting to lose their cool, the tennis itself was engaging, even if the quality of the match fell below the lofty standards of both players at times.
Del Potro’s triumph brought an end to the Federer’s perfect year, which saw the World No 2 go 17 matches without losing. And even if Federer got a little bit testy during the match, after the match he was as classy as you’d expect.
Beautiful footwork! #Federer #BNPPO18 (🎥modron-tennis-coaching) pic.twitter.com/ulEqRPBSwu
— Allez Roger (@kah22jad) March 15, 2018
“Not much in between us but you deserve it. Well done. Enjoy the moment,” he said.
What are your thoughts? Did Federer go over the top? Or is he well within his rights to let off a bit of steam? Let us know in the comments section below!