Published 01/05/2023, 10:51 AM EST
Former Swiss tennis star Roger Federer is among the most influential tennis players in history. While Nadal and Djokovic went past his tally of Grand Slam titles, he still is regarded by many as the GOAT. Holding such a high status in tennis, his words in public have always had a great impact on the sport.
Back in 2003, ATP Masters Cup,(ATP Tour Finals), returned to the US. It was the result of the immense hard work and money put up by the $300 million worth US businessman Jim McIngvale. While the organizer put up a good effort in building the courts and organizing the event, Federer was not happy with the surface. Here’s what happened next.
Roger Federer angered Jim McIngvale with his remarks
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Jim was an ardent tennis fan and invested heavily in order to bring back the prestigious tournament to the country. However, Federer was of the idea that the facilities were not great. In particular, the Swiss tennis star criticized the quality of the court, which, according to him, was uneven and also had a slope.
BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA – NOVEMBER 20: Roger Federer of Switzerland smiles with fans during an exhibition game between Alexander Zverev and Roger Federer at Arena Parque Roca on November 20, 2019 in Buenos Aires, Argentina. (Photo by Marcelo Endelli/Getty Images)
Further, the Swiss maestro also doubted that the size of the court was good enough to accommodate such a tournament. According to Federer’s biography, Jim confronted Federer in the locker room. However, Federer as humble as always, apologized to the American.
However, he later expressed his disappointment over not getting the chance to speak his mind out. “I don’t understand why people wrote that I was criticizing. “That was just my first impression. I can also talk differently when I arrive and say everything is great, you know. But that was just my feeling. If I can’t say my feelings anymore, I don’t come to press conferences anymore,” Federer said.
Interestingly, Federer never aimed at creating controversies. However, a few such incidents at times lead to confusion and Federer made sure to close the chapter there itself.
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Federer recently retired as one of the greatest in the history of tennis. He also had an overall impeccable record in ATP finals.
Federer is the most successful player in the year-end finals
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In 2003, Federer won his first year-end final title. The Swiss maestro defeated American tennis legend Andre Agassi in straight sets to clinch the title.
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Over the years, apart from amassing 20 Grand Slam titles, he also won the year-end title a record six times. Recently, Serbian tennis star Novak Djokovic equaled the record after winning ATP Finals 2022.
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It will be interesting to see if he can go past Federer’s tally this year.
$300 Million Worth American Business Magnate Had a Locker Room Scuffle With Roger Federer Over His Controversial Comments in 2003
