“There Needs to Be Certain Code”: Roger Federer on Alexander Zverev and Team 8’s Split

Twenty-time grand slam champion and former world number one Roger Federer, who will be playing his first clay-court match at the Geneva Open tomorrow, appears relatively positive on the way his body has been responding after the quarter-final exit at Qatar Open earlier this year.

The Swiss star plays against the Spaniard Pablo Andujar in his opening round contest. Federer had already started practicing on the Geneva Open courts and seems to be in complete control of his body before the tournament.

Also read: Bjorn Borg Was a Better Clay Courter Than Roger Federer, Believes Tennis Legend and Federer Fan

Roger Federer shares his opinion on the split up between Zverev and Team8

The former world number one believes that his clay-court stint this year will play a key role in his preparation for Wimbledon.

But, the Geneva Open draw makes it difficult for Federer to start winning titles immediately after his return. However, the Swiss star lowered his expectations on the two tournaments he plays on the red-dirt(Geneva and French Open).

During the media interaction session ahead of his first match, the Swiss Maestro was asked about Alexander Zverev splitting with Team 8’s management. Federer is one of the establishing partners of this management company.

The Swiss star maintained neutrality and responded that the whole process happened under the supervision of his manager, Tony Godsick.

While Federer remained tight-lipped on Zverev’s exclusion in Team 8, he shared his opinion on whether the ATP should maintain codes of conduct for players on and off the court as well.

“We’re independent contractors, I guess, so it’s maybe more complicated than others. I don’t know, I guess when you’re employed at a club or at the league, it’s something very different, in my opinion, because then you get a salary from there. But of course, there needs to be certain code, like…we have on the court”, opined Federer.

The Swiss star had a famous tour of South-America with Alexander Zverev in 2019 before COVID-19 pandemic shook the world. In fact, their exhibition match at Mexico in 2019 set a new attendance record. A total of 42517 people watched Federer play against Zverev.

Coming back to the Geneva Open, Roger Federer will have to battle against tough conditions as there is a high chance of rain along with winds predicted throughout the week.

Also read: “Synopsis of Greatness and Class”: Serena Williams Excited For Roger Federer’s Comeback