Roger Federer is one of the most beloved and respected players in the history of tennis, but even he was criticized at times…
The Swiss star won 19 ‘ATP Fans’ Favourite’ awards in a row between 2003 and 2021.
However, it was a different kind of ‘favoritism’ that saw some question Federer, especially at the four Grand Slam tournaments.
During the 2019 US Open, Federer reached his boiling point, as he exclaimed that he was ‘sick and tired’ of receiving blame for his schedule.
Roger Federer was tired of accusations that he demanded to play day sessions at Grand Slams
The 20-time Grand Slam champion often played the day sessions at major tournaments.
Some argue that the ‘day’ slot is preferable, as it gives players more time to recover and reduces fatigue caused by finishing late at night.
Asked about his schedule during a press conference at the US Open six years ago, Federer had this to say.
“I don’t even know if [my] team asked for day [session],” he said.
“But [asking] doesn’t mean like, ‘Roger asks, Roger gets.’ Just remember that, because I have heard this s— too often now.
“I’m sick and tired of it, that apparently I call the shots. The tournament and the TV stations do.
“We can give our opinion. That’s what we do. But I’m still going to walk out even if they schedule me at 4 am.”
Is Roger Federer the greatest tennis player of all time?
Federer was clearly frustrated with the ‘accusations’, but what was his schedule actually like at Flushing Meadows in 2019?
Reaching the quarterfinals, Federer played five matches, three of which were scheduled for the day session.
Roger Federer’s 2019 US Open schedule
| Match | Opponent | Session | Result | Score |
| 1R | Sumit Nagal | Night | WIN | 4-6, 6-1, 6-2, 6-4 |
| 2R | Damir Dzumhur | Day | WIN | 3-6, 6-2, 6-3, 6-4 |
| 3R | Dan Evans | Day | WIN | 6-2, 6-2, 6-1 |
| 4R | David Goffin | Day | WIN | 6-2, 6-2, 6-0 |
| QF | Grigor Dimitrov | Night | LOSS | 3-6, 6-4, 3-6, 6-4, 6-2 |
A ratio of 3-2 really isn’t all that bad, making Federer’s gripes with the accusations somewhat understandable.
Higher or Lower – Tennis Grand Slam Quiz
Unfortunately for Federer, it didn’t matter whether he played during the day or night on Arthur Ashe Stadium, as he failed to win another US Open title after 2008.
What went wrong for Roger Federer at the US Open?
Between 2004 and 2008, Federer enjoyed a remarkable spell of dominance in New York, winning five titles in a row.
- 2004 US Open – WINNER (Beat Lleyton Hewitt in F)
- 2005 US Open – WINNER (Beat Andre Agassi in F)
- 2006 US Open – WINNER (Beat Andy Roddick in F)
- 2007 US Open – WINNER (Beat Novak Djokovic in F)
- 2008 US Open – WINNER (Beat Andy Murray in F)
He was, however, unable to add a sixth title to his collection in 2009, losing the US Open final to Argentina’s Juan Martin del Potro in a five-set thriller.
Federer returned to the US Open nine times after his defeat to Del Potro, but reached just one more final, falling short against his ‘big three’ rival, Novak Djokovic.
Roger Federer’s US Open career post-2009
| Year | Result | Opponent | Score |
| 2010 | Lost in SF | Novak Djokovic | 7-5, 1-6, 7-5, 2-6, 5-7 |
| 2011 | Lost in SF | Novak Djokovic | 7-6, 6-4, 3-6, 2-6, 5-7 |
| 2012 | Lost in QF | Tomas Berdych | 6-7, 4-6, 6-3, 3-6 |
| 2013 | Lost in 4R | Tommy Robredo | 6-7, 3-6, 4-6 |
| 2014 | Lost in SF | Marin Cilic | 3-6, 4-6, 4-6 |
| 2015 | Lost in F | Novak Djokovic | 4-6, 7-5, 4-6, 4-6 |
| 2017 | Lost in QF | Juan Martin del Potro | 5-7, 6-3, 6-7, 4-6 |
| 2018 | Lost in 4R | John Millman | 6-3, 5-7, 6-7, 6-7 |
| 2019 | Lost in QF | Grigor Dimitrov | 6-3, 4-6, 6-3, 4-6, 2-6 |
Despite his late-career struggles, Federer remains one of the most successful players in the history of the US Open.
Federer is tied with Jimmy Connors and Pete Sampras for all-time title wins, with five.
Only time will tell if anyone can take the record in the future, but it will certainly be something to look out for.
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