国产精品99一区二区三_免费中文日韩_国产在线精品一区二区_日本成人手机在线

Organizers deny Federer is given undue treatment at Australian Open

Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-14 09:50:46|Editor: mym
Video PlayerClose

SYDNEY, Nov. 14 (Xinhua) -- Australian Open director Craig Tiley has responded to criticism that he gives Roger Federer preferential treatment by saying that the former world No. 1 creates interest in the sport and deserves to play at times that will draw the largest spectator numbers.

"In terms of players and their appeal, it needs to be said that Roger Federer is a once-in-a-generation player widely regarded as one of the biggest 'box office' athletes in the world," Tiley told an Australian newspaper on Wednesday.

"The fans demand his appearance in the big stadiums and our broadcasters naturally want his matches to air in prime time."

The comments follow accusations made on French radio by retired tennis professional Julien Benneteau, that the "prime time" Australian Open slot of 7:30 p.m. affords players an unfair advantage, as the temperature is much cooler than during the day when other competitors are forced to play in sweltering heat.

Benneteau also criticized Tiley's involvement with Federer's management company in organizing the Laver Cup event, suggesting that arrangements between the pair created a conflict of interest.

"Craig Tiley is paid by Roger Federer's agent and on the back of that, as luck would have it, Federer played 12 of his 14 matches at 7:30 p.m.," Benneteau said.

Current world No. 1 Novak Djokovic has spoken up in defense of his rival. "At the end of the day, in a way he deserves the special treatment because he's six-time Australian Open champion and arguably the best player ever."

"If he doesn't have it, who is going to have it?" the Serbian added.

"People want to see him play on the center court, and they want to see him play in the best hours, which is 7:30 at night in the Rod Laver Arena."

TOP STORIES
EDITOR’S CHOICE
MOST VIEWED
EXPLORE XINHUANET
010020070750000000000000011100001376049601
主站蜘蛛池模板: 卢氏县| 军事| 如东县| 滕州市| 晋州市| 桃园市| 丰都县| 新河县| 东宁县| 峨眉山市| 宜州市| 聂拉木县| 开远市| 兴隆县| 唐山市| 祁连县| 贵港市| 平舆县| 赤城县| 泸定县| 调兵山市| 手游| 南靖县| 礼泉县| 汽车| 辽阳县| 郁南县| 潞西市| 三河市| 成安县| 浦江县| 镇远县| 丰原市| 云安县| 宜都市| 象山县| 民县| 周口市| 辽阳市| 察雅县| 三穗县|