Roger Federer accepts existence of conflicts of interest in tennis

Roger Federer was back to his fluid best on court on Thursday night but faced more challenging questions regarding the conflicts of interest of the Laver Cup with regards to certain privileges he receives on tour.

The 37-year-old Swiss – who defeated Kevin Anderson to reach the last four of the ATP Finals for the 15th time in 16 appearances – has been under the microscope throughout the ATP Finals after allegations from retired French player Julien Benneteau that he enjoys special treatment.

While the excessive preferenetial treatment Federer may or may not receive with regards to scheduling is hard to prove one way or another, theres no denying that having an active player directly involved in the organisation of events with high-profile tennis administrators opens the sport up to questions of integrity.

And although the 20-time Grand Slam champion accepts that conflicts of interest are prevalent throughout tennis, he denied that such a problem exists with regards to Tennis Australias relationship with the Laver Cup – the brainchild of Federer and his agent Tony Godsick.

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When asked if the scheduling at the Australian Open should be under the spotlight due to the partnership with the Laver Cup, Federer replied: No.

I think the tournament will do it in connection with the ATP, checking all the requests with what they always do, with the TV demands.

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I dont know how much sponsors have to say, to be honest, at a Grand Slam. But usually its TVs and home market. They go after that.

I dont know about what all the other players are requesting, or if they get asked. So, no, I dont worry about that, to be honest.

I think, sure, theres conflict of interest in this sport. We know it. We know where they are. Theyve been around for a long, long time. They will never go away.

I dont think there is any there in this regard, no.

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