‘I’m Back to Prove Him Wrong’ – Roger Federer Once Showed His Fiercely Angry Side to a Tournament Director Who Withheld His $12,000 Worth Prize Money

With his unsurpassed talent and skills, Roger Federer has clinched a plethora of ATP titles in his more than a two-decade-long journey on the ATP Tour. However, during his illustrious career, the Swiss tennis legend also had to face many controversies and critics. During one such incident in 2002, the 20-time Grand Slam champion found himself in hot water at the Dubai Tennis Championships when he was accused of tanking.

It was the tournament director Jeff Chapman who put such allegations on Federer and also decided to withhold his prize money and appearance bonus. In the very next season, the former tennis ace came back and won the tournament without dropping a set. After that triumph, Federer showcased his fiercely angry side with his blunt answers to Chapman.

When Roger Federer shed his usual calm demeanor

The Swiss tennis legend has always had a special relationship with Dubai, given his triumphs and his legion of fans there. However, that relationship turned bittersweet after he was accused of tanking by the tournament director Jeff Chapman. Thus, Roger Federer was on the verge of losing his appearance bonus at the Dubai Tennis Championships. Later, the organizers were asked to provide a certain amount according to their investigation.

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The appearance bonus, substantially larger, was held back on the condition that the 20-time Grand Slam champion return to the event in the very next season. In 2003, the former tennis ace came back and won the tournament without dropping a set. After the remarkable triumph, Federer gave a blunt answer to Chapman.

After the final of the Dubai Tennis Championships, he said: “I believe I’m the last guy who is not giving his best, so I’m back to prove him (Chapman) wrong, not for the money.”

Since then, the 41-year-old tennis legend has clinched a number of titles in Dubai with his prowess and dominating performances. During his last triumph in the tournament, Federer reminisced about the incident involving Chapman. The Swiss Maestro, who played against Rainer Schuttler, was frustrated with his game.

Consequently, Federer went for the big shots and got knocked out of the event. Talking about the same, the Swiss tennis legend said that Chapman wasn’t impressed with his defeat. He added that the tournament director also wanted to fine him, but the ATP authorities later came to his defense.

This is not the first time when Federer showcased his fierce side in Dubai. During a practice session in the country, he once gave a proper lecture to his practice partners after he saw them joking around on the court.

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