Roger Federer admits he suffered a 'bit of a breakdown' in Colombia after cancelled match
"I had a bit of a breakdown. It was not going to be the dream match it was supposed to have been and I could feel it all falling apart at the end"
Monday 16 December 2019 17:26, UK
Roger Federer admits he suffered a "bit of a breakdown" during last month's tour of Mexico and South America after he felt what was supposed to be a dream match falling apart.
Shortly before Federer and Alexander Zverev were supposed to commence their exhibition match in Colombia, the government imposed a curfew due to large scale demonstrations and riots.
With a huge crowd already present, Federer reluctantly decided that the situation was not safe.
Footage from a documentary, which will air in December, shows Federer walking back to his locker room where he broke down in tears and was hugged by Zverev.
"We went to warm up and were having a blast on the court, but then everything started to get a bit crazy," Federer said.
"I was thinking is this the best scenario? Because people need to get home and be safe and this was honestly when I knew we shouldn't play, it was too much stress and pressure for everybody.
"I had a bit of a breakdown. It was not going to be the dream match it was supposed to have been and I could feel it all falling apart at the end. When I came back [to the locker room] I was emotionally wasted."
Throughout Federer's illustrious career, visits to South America have been rare with few big tournaments being held there, but this tour took in Chile, Argentina, Colombia, Ecuador and Mexico.
"It was an unbelievable and amazing trip, each step along the way as the fans expressed their love of the sport and appreciation for the experience," the Swiss player said.
"There were so many highlights, it was truly a magical adventure and a blast as well."
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