Roger Federer calls for a change in the relationship between tennis players and the media; Federer says support is also needed for younger generation so they can better deal with negative social media comments
Monday 27 September 2021 13:46, UK
Roger Federer says the relationship between tennis players and the media needs to evolve and the sport must also do more to help the younger generation deal with negative comments on social media.
The issue of players' mental health came into the spotlight after Japan's Naomi Osaka withdrew from the French Open after a row with tournament officials over media duties.
Osaka said she had been suffering from depression and anxiety and that interacting with the media had sometimes had a negative impact on her - and has continued her break from tennis by pulling out of next month's BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells.
Federer, who shares the men's record of 20 major titles with Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic, says the situation with players and their media responsibilities needs a rethink.
"I think players, the tournaments, journalists, we need to sit down together in a room and go, 'OK, what would work for you and what works for us?'," Federer told British GQ on Monday.
"We need a revolution. Or at least an evolution of where we are today.
"Even when I am feeling down, I know I need to act a certain way in front of the world's press.
"We need to remember that tennis players are athletes and professionals, but we are also human too."
The 40-year-old, who is recovering from recent knee surgery, also praised Emma Raducanu's journey to the top in the wake of the 18-year-old's US Open triumph.
Raducanu had previously received criticism from the media when she pulled out of her Wimbledon last-16 match due to breathing difficulties, with some saying she had failed to handle the pressure.
"I was following Emma Raducanu's incredible run in Wimbledon and also Naomi Osaka these last few years," Federer said. "It's been amazing, both of their stories."
"But it hurts when you see what happens and when they don't feel well.
"I think we do need to help, coach and mentor the younger generation more. I can't imagine going through the beginning of my career with social media," he added.
"For every 10 nice comments there's always one negative comment and, of course, that is the one you focus on.
"It's a horrible situation."
