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The organisers of the French Open Grand Slam are facing more criticism for double-standards after it issued a statement on Roger Federer’s decision to pull out of the event citing his physical condition.
Federer announced his withdrawal from the French Open after beating Marin Cilic in a grueling five-set match. Soon after the match ended, Federer issued a statement, announcing his withdrawal from the competition. He said, “After discussions with my team, I’ve decided I will need to pull out of Roland Garros today. “After two knee surgeries and over a year of rehabilitation it’s important that I listen to my body and make sure I don’t push myself too quickly on my road to recovery. I am thrilled to have gotten three matches under my belt. There is no greater feeling than being back on court.”
According to experts, Federer may have decided to quit the French Open to better prepare himself for the Wimbledon, which he has won a record eight times. Federer, who will turn 40 this year, realises that it may not be easy for him to win the French Open with the king of clay, Rafael Nadal, around. Both Nadal and Federer have won 20 Grand Slams each.
Reacting to Federer’s decision to quit the Grand Slam midway, Roland Garros, the organiser of the French Open said, “The Roland Garros tournament is sorry about the withdrawal of Roger Federer, who put up an incredible fight last night. We were all delighted to see Roger back in Paris, where he played three high-level matches. We wish him all the best for the rest of the season.”
Roland Garros was recently in the news after it was accused of ill-treating the number 2 seed Naomi Osaka, who was forced to withdraw from the competition after being fined $15,000 for not speaking to the media due to her ongoing mental health issues. Reacting to her decision to withdraw from the competition, Roland Garros had said, “Together as a community we will continue to improve the player experience at our tournaments, including as it relates to media. Change should come through the lens of maintaining a fair playing field, regardless of ranking or status. Sport requires rules and regulations to ensure that no player has an unfair advantage over another.”
Days later, the number 1 seed in the women’s single competition, Ash Barty, too had pulled out of the Grand Slam owing to injury.
As expected, Roland Garros is now facing brutal roasting from tennis fans for its biases against Naomi Osaka.
Why is it when Roger Federer does what’s best for his health it’s applauded and lauded as a good decision – but when Naomi Osaka does what is best for her health, all the tournaments gang up on her and try to bully her into changing her mind. ????
— Shawna Rossi ????????♀️????????????♀️⛵️???????? (@MyRetailTherapy) June 6, 2021
This looks like double standards by French open. Federer withdraws no controversy yet Naomi Osaka threatened with sanctions to preserve her mental health. Roger and Naomi concerns both valid. Double standards obvious.
— OrvilleLloydDouglas????????????️???? (@OrvilleLloyd) June 6, 2021
*Federer, post-win* ‘it was a good game. He was a good player. I won the first set. I also won the second set. And then I won the match. Yeah…so…’
*@rolandgarros, hi-fiving one another* this is the gold we fucked over Osaka for! HELL YEAH! ALL WORTH IT!*
— Sophie Petzal (@Sonic_Screwup) May 31, 2021
If I were Naomi Osaka, I would be livid after reading @rolandgarros statement about Federer.
— Andrew Atkinson (@atkinsonfasho) June 6, 2021