- 7 Aug 08, 12:52 PM
There are stars at these Olympics, and then there are stars.
As a mere mortal, you tend to assume that the elite athletes here in Beijing inhabit a strange egalitarian society of super-humans, all unfazed by each others' sporting achievements, all likely to attract roughly the same amount of attention from the world's media.
Roger Federer's regal arrival on Olympic Green on Thursday rather blew that theory out of the water.
The only way they could have squeezed more journalists into his press conference would have been to stack people on top of each other like school chairs.
There were people sitting in the aisles. There were people hanging off the walls. There were people forced to wait outside with ears pressed to the wall like nosey neighbours.
At Usain Bolt's big media bun-fight the other day, I counted 17 TV crews. Roger attracted closer to 50.
So desperate were reporters to hear what the great man had to say that they yelled over the top of each other like City traders during a stockmarket meltdown.
"Roger!" would bellow four voices from different points of the room, before four simultaneous questions were shouted out at exactly the same time.
The most intriguing answer Federer had to give was about his decision to check into a five-star hotel for the duration out here, rather than stay in the athletes' village with the rest of the Swiss team.
It's not a question of luxury. Rafael Nadal's in the village, as is Andy Murray and every other tennis player here. According to Roger, it's simply a matter of getting badgered too much by his fellow elite athletes.
"It's not possible for me to stay there," he said. "There are so many athletes who want their pictures taken with me.
"I don't mind it, but every day? I can't escape it. It's not the ideal preparation for winning Olympic gold."
Some critics take that to mean that Federer is failing to embrace the true spirit of the Olympics. The famous bit about the world's youth coming together every four years doesn't work quite so well if half of them refuse to stay anywhere near the others.
For the anti-Fed brigade, his decision carries unfortunate echoes of point guard John Stockton's line when the 1992 US Dream Team refused to stay in the athletes' village in Barcelona.
"We don't intend to make a whole lot of friends here," said Stockton at the time, famously. "The Olympic spirit is beating people, not living with them."
Federer protests that the Olympics - despite his 12 Grand Slam titles, the millions in his bank account, the imminent loss of his world no.1 ranking to Nadal - really do matter to him.
First up, he's desperate to make up for the shock second round defeat he suffered to Tomas Berdych four years ago. Secondly, he points out that the Olympics have always played a significant part in his life.
He remembers as a child watching on television as Carl Lewis won medal after medal, and Marc Rosset taking tennis gold for Switzerland in 1992.
Eight years ago in Sydney he first met Mirka, the woman who's been his girlfriend ever since. In Athens, he carried the Swiss flag at the opening ceremony - a moment he describes as, "one of the greatest moments in my career".
"It's one of my dreams to do well at an Olympic Games," he insists. "To win gold would mean as much as a Wimbledon victory - it would be right up there with my Grand Slam wins.
"Carrying the flag was one of those things you can only dream about. Walking into the stadium and seeing all the Swiss flags, the athletes on one side and the fans on the other in a stadium as big as I've ever been in, was unforgettable."
It's hard not to feel a little sympathy for Federer.
This year's version of the Dream Team - or the Redeem Team, as they've been dubbed after their predecessors' appalling showing last time out - are hiding away in the InterContinental Hotel on Financial Street, miles from the buzz and banter of Olympic Green.
Yet they've received nothing but praise - on the basis that in Athens they refused to even stay in the city, preferring to house themselves on a £550m luxury liner instead.
It doesn't help Federer's cause when Nadal, who was mobbed at Beijing airport when he arrived on Tuesday, is positively effusive about staying in the Olympic village.
"It's unforgettable to be in there with all the elite athletes that we only otherwise see on television," he says. "To be with them there is a really marvellous feeling."
Thanks Rafa, Roger must be thinking. First the French Open, then Wimbledon, then the no.1 spot, and now this...
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Roger is a classy character - no doubt, but this does smell a bit elitist. The way he is playing at the moment he shouldn't have much to worry about soon, as no- one will even remember him!!
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Give the guy a break! This is Nadal's 1st olympics, Federer's 3rd. I believe this is the first time he has opted not to stay in the village - if he feels he can prepare better from a hotel then I'm sure the swiss team are not going to be offended - I'm sure they would rather he won them a medal.
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Its remarkable the number of people who feel good having a picture taken with a big name athlete. I don't get it at all?
It does not matter where they stay and what they can afford. There have been geniuses coming from families which could not afford a public school or Oxbridge.
Let him enjoy the moment - its his last Olympics whereas Nadal is very clever at these things - always generous in defeat and modest in his utterances - makes you wonder.
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FEDERER CAN DO WHAT HE LIKES COS HE RULES!!!!!!!
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Isn't Roger Federer multi-lingual? That would increase the number of folks he actually talks to while Nadal isn't. That alone is going to impact the number of conversations he's going to have - well that and the 12 grand slam titles against the 5 of Nadal.
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I don't think it is an elitist gesture from Roger - I think, in a strange way that its because he cares so much about the olympics and winning the gold medal that he wants to give himself the best preparation possible. And like he said, it's not ideal to have people asking for your autograph 24/7 when your trying to relax away from the courts.
Also - in response to 'Yellowterror's comment -
"Let him enjoy the moment - its his last Olympics"
I hardly think you could be more wrong - Roger will be on Centre Court in 2012 defending his title from Beijing!!
And i do think he has a great chance of winning - he has the easier draw - no Djokovic or Murray, and if he beats Karlovic, which i think he will (revenge for last week) then hell be the one with the fresh legs over Rafa, Dkojer and Muzza who have all played a lot of tennis the last few weeks.
GOOD LUCK ROGER!!
Federer v Murray final come on!!
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Tom, you must be hard up for things to write about. Does it matter where Federer stays? The people who go to see him play want to see him play his best tennis and if he produces that I doubt if they'll be saying, 'Ah yes but he only won because he was put up in a luxury hotel. Perhaps you think that Roger's game is so poor now that if he stayed in the village Murray would have a chance of getting a Bronze.
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It's a good point of view to be a little bit harsh on Federer's decision to stay at a 5-star hotel instead of the village with all other elite athletes.
But to be fair, we should be noticed that Fed suffered grandular fever earlier this year. The disease could cause severe fatigue tiredness. Fed's action should be given sympathy as he really wants a moment of piece of mind, especially after Wimbledon and recent shock defeats.
Outwardly, Fed's decision could be against the Olympic Spirit, but we should take into consideration all factors, then the action is understandable, and even really much-needed for Fed campaign now.
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It's obvious from the large numbers from the 4th estate who were there to hear the Great Man that he would be badgered in the Olympic Village and to say he is not entering into the true spirit of the Olympic movement is utter rubbish. If we are all honest then the Olympics will never be what they once were - a competition for the best amateurs in the world. Roger has had a tough year and it's his birthday tomorrow so all the anti-Fed brigade please give him a chance. Whatever he does from now on he will always be remembered for his wonderful tennis and his gracious behaviour on and off the court. Nadal may feel all the excitement of the village but let's see what happens in 2012.
Dot - a true fan of the most wonderful player I have ever seen.
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its all about conserving energy
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I think the headline to this article shot itself in the foot ... The Federer Circus .... " and who can anyone blame Roger for wanting to get away from the circus that surrounds him. Poor Roger ? seems no matter what he says/does, he can?t please the media these days.
I read he was trying (unsuccessfully) to eat his lunch in the Olympic village the other day but was continually bothered by other athletes wanting his autograph or photo taken with him. I thiink some under-estimate just what a worldwide celebrity he now is ? someone who has transcended the sport he plays and the country he comes from.
Of course there may be other personal reasons for not wishing to stay in the village ... something to do with his g/f not being able to stay with him in the village?? You'd hardly expect him to admit that in public!!
If he wins it would make up for all the other disappointments he?s had this year. Though I dread to think how many tears will be shed on that podium!!
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Give him a break! He can't even eat his lunch or do a bit of shopping in peace without 50 people clamouring for photos and autographs. And like the professional that he is, he answers their questions (in three languages) and signs the autographs.
Can you imagine what it would be like if he was staying in the village full-time? Crazy!
Read this, and you'll see that it just wouldn't be feasible for Roger to stay in the village - nothing at all to do with elitism or snobbery:
http://www.olympic.org.nz/Blog/BlogList.aspx?ID=6076
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I would do the same as Federer if i had the money. Staying in a nice hotel with nice sheets and quick room service is not elitist at all.He has the means to do this so what's objectionable about it?Those that question his motives surely would do the same given a choice of cramped noisy accommodation or a 1st class suite. Don't get on his back simply because he has the means to pay for something.
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For me it's simple. He has always been "Billy no mates" He just doesn't do people / friends well. A bit off a loner I think unlike other players who have other friends on tour. I'm sure you will never hear about him getting together with the lads to watch football or play on game consoles!!!!
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As far as I'm concerned Federer can do as he pleases......the fact is, he's more than just an Olympian, he's arguably the 2nd biggest name in true sporting achievements/genius, transcends his sport's genre like few others and if anything his presence ehances the Olympics. I'm more of a Nadal fan, but Nadal is just embarking on his path to true sporting genius so for now it makes sense for him to remain mortal and accessible lest he's labelled as a bighead. As for Federer, having rewritten the history books as he has, he can choose to stay on the moon or any venue he likes...the dude's earned it, besides for all he's achieved e's more accessible than some so-called sports superstars! There are elite athletes and elite superstar athletes! I mean would we expect anything different from Tiger Woods if he was there playing golf? The real question is whether Tennis should really be considered an Olympic event?
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Pretty cynical blog m8. You should know better...but anything to increase the hits to your online soapbox, right? :/
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i think he should just stay back home. That way nobody would hassle him.
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I guess the important question for the Olympics is: Are you part of a national team or are you there to win gold and glory for yourself.
Imagine, an English football. volleyball, whatever team, with 1 or 2 ultra wealthy players deciding to stay in a 5 star hotel rather that with their team mates in the Olympic village? Not sure that would go over well with the team
I think the same point applies to the national team.
I think it great that Raffa is opting to stay in the Villlage with and surrounded by his fellow Olympians and really being part of the team
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TF, yet another interesting read. Can we expect BD to meet the standard... or are you two going to do a double act? (As everyone knows you are but one).
And why is MM doing the cricket? (I'm not saying he's not good - v good on the cricket, but lacks the TF/BD banter). Surely you (both) can can cover the Oval from China. Its not as if you have to be there.
And how do we that know you are in really in China and not in (as MM revealed about the cricket) a roomy space in White City with two others to help the text coverage?
Hope to see the TF/BD does B'ng TV guide soon. Ideal for when the sat breaks down or it's only s swimming on.
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I always thought Federer was very humble, modest and a likable character. Im not saying he's not likable anymore, however you get the feeling that finally he believes his own hype. His fashion label and Wimbledon cardigan do nothing to aid his cause. Nadal's stock however continues to rise and i personally think he's a breath of fresh air. Just like when hes playing he seems to enjoy every moment off the court, and his comments about relishing being around all these other world class athletes suggest he is proud and delighted to be there, and more than happy to interact with the other Olympians. I wonder if the novelty had worn off with Federer and he's taking it all for granted at a time when he should be fighting harder than ever to get back to his best and find the passion that made him the greatest player of all time.
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This is probably the final straw.
I predict an early exit from Beijing AND Flushing Meadows.
It appears the Fed has been influenced by his own press.
It all stated some months ago, before the Australian Open when he predicted he would be still winning Slams in 10 years time. After that, it seems it has been all downhill.
Time to get back to basics, Rog and forget your own hype!! Get into the Village and find some humility.
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What a SNOB......maybe he is an OCD type....maybe he brought his own toilet toll as well....other than the swiss roll...muhahahaha
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Happy Birthday Roger an Good Luck
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I think that Roger is more interested in himself than tennis, I lost faith in him last year at the end of the Wimbledon Final when he had to 'cop on' to put on a Rolex watch before he accepted the trophy!!
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Apparently Fed's carrying the Swiss flag again ce soir. Wonder if he'll do it one-handed like Steve Redgrave. Now that's intimidation.
ackid - the boy Dirs is currently in Finland at the World Sauna Championships, although he's not there on a BBC gig. You might say that he's gone under his own steam, if you know what I mean. Do I miss him? The snoring, the smoking, the crisp-eating? Of course I do.
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I wish some people would get into the real world ... one of Roger's sponsors is Rolex ... its part of his contract that he has to wear one when he accepts any trophy and he can be seen wearing it during exhibition matches too. When some of you get unindated with requests for photos/autographs/media/TV interviews, requests for who knows what, maybe you'd be better qualified to make the kind of comments some of you do.
And ... er no, Tom, doubt he'll carry the flag one-handed ... he's already said his worst fear is stumbling with it!!
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It would appear that Mr Federer now considers himself to be greater than the sport which has given him so much. As with many other 'celebrities' he wants all the advantages and none of the disadvantages. Humility would be a good thing for him to aspire to.
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Roger has always come across to me as being a bit smug and full of himself and this just proves it.
Removing yourself from the rest of your team and other athletes is simply elitist. I wonder what the rest of the Swiss team think?
He is certainly not embracing the Olympic spirit, and I think the IOC should consider removing him, and others who similarly disregard the whole ethos, from the Games!
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With all due respect Fed4Ever, humility is not one of Rogers qualities, the focus seems to be on making money at the present time rather than excelling tennis. He's resting on his laurels at present.
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This demonstrates perfectly why sports like Tennis shouldn't be in the Olympics in thier current format.
Fair enough- you are superstar but the Olympics are meant to be special.
Simple way to fix this is unless as a competitor you stay in the village you don't get acreditation. With all the drugs scandals recently it probably wouldn't be a bad thing to keep the competitors together.
Let's face it- the leading tennis players consider the majors above the Olympics.
For Track and field, swiming etc.. an Olympic gold medal is the pinnacle in tennis and other sports it is not- it's just another event. The IOC should organise these sports in a different way if they are to include them like they have with the football competition.
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I am surprised at the high number of negative comments regarding Roger Federer! Are his critics aware that he donates a large chunk of his money to relieve child poverty in Africa?
If jealousy was a killer disease, the world population would dramatically shrink.
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Again people just too quick to criticise, always looking for the bad points. Valid reason was offered by Rog, sure there are other reasons behind the scenes.
Is that how the the Olympic spirit is symbolised then? By living in the Olympic village. I dont think so. Surely it should be measure by how he competes, which is fairly and honestly.
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Never have I read so much nonsense in all my life. Either this was started to stir trouble or for hits.
Roger suffered from Glandular fever but continued to play which hindered his recovery. It makes sense to give himself as much time to recover. Like most sportsment they have rituals and having Mirka with him every day is one of them Why would a grown man want to sleep in amongst strangers rather in the loving arms of his girlfriend. Beats me.
Roger has been to the Olympics before and its not new to him like it is Nadal. Over 400 paparazi turned up and 57 tv cameras when he turned up. Of course the guy wont get any peace. He has taken a reasonable decision and ensured he will be at his best for the games.
He goes into the village when he wants too, however, even while he was walking with the flag athletes were snapping away. Its totally understandable that he needs time for himself. He is only human. People saying disrespectful things about him should be ashamed. Roger is a Legend in tennis, not just by the fans but by the other champions.
Roger is not big headed, but he has done this a long time and knows what is expected of him. Taking pathetic pot shots at him while his form is off is just low. I have no doubt Roger will come back all guns blazing, we need to give this champion the respect he deserves.
Happy Birthday Roger.......Good Luck
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This story supports what Roger was saying.
#########
I could not believe my eyes, there was Roger Federer.
Of course surrounded by media, athletes, volunteers taking photo after photo. So up we went, "excuse Roger, mind if we get a photo?" "For athletes, no problem" was his reply. He was very freindly, called our sport 'land hockey', and he even seemed pretty keen on taking up our invite on coming to watch us. For some this may seem like nothing, but as soon as we got back to the NZ accomodation and told everyone who we got a photo with, everyone's reaction really did show how great the man is. A true legend
Guy cant move in the village, no wonder he picked the hotel.........who wouldnt.
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Federer can do whatever the hell he likes. Good luck Federer - go kick Nadal's butt!
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In my eyes he IS the greatest tennis player ever. Loads of grand slams, 3 finals at the French.. Doesn't matter what he does and doesn't win now. Well done to Nadal for taking the top spot but hopefully Federer can come back - in his own time of coruse! Happy birthday Fed!
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Well said Kaz1066 + I'm sure that given an opportunity, all the critics of Roger's actions would have tried to get a snap of him too no matter what. Simple as that. His unquestionable first among equals status simply doesn't allow him to move around the OV without being mobbed by all those equals. I wish people gave the guy a break as their comments often smack of just nitpicking and pettiness.
Go Roger!
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It never fails to amaze me how the media loves to 'kick' someone when they are down.
Roger Federer suffered from glanduar fever at the beginning of the year. He may be still suffering, but he has not used it as a reason, which says a lot about him as a person.
I would like to know why people think they have the right to tell Roger where he should be staying. This is his business and no one elses!!! Have I got the right to tell anyone else where they should stay?
As for Nadal staying in the Olympic Village that is his choice. Roger speaks several languages fluently and being a nice guy, people want to meet and converse with him.
As for the Nadal fans, one day in the future the media will looking to criticise Nadal in the same way.
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I'm not I understand the point of this article. Roger Federer is one of the biggest stars in world sport; why would he stay at Butlins with a bunch of amateurs harrassing him when he is trying to win a tournament?
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Well whats wrong with that Roger goes to work ,(tennis) not nine to five I grant) so whats the matter with making a choice that best benefits him to to complete his job. The media has just got to pick on someone, so ok lets just pick on the guy that is the perfect tennis player, because that what the bullying media do just to get a story. Leave that man alone, go find your cheap stories eleshwhere, Roger Federer is a fine example to everyone in how to work hard be gracious and sporting.
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Federer is a world class player. It has been human nature to point fingers at and criticise whoever is at the top. This is just another one of those incidents.
If he chooses to stay in a hotel (after having stayed in the village for the last 2 times), I don't see why critics have to raise so many fingers at him.
He is free to decide what and how he wnats to do his preparation. His aim is to win the Gold and not adhere to people's wishes.
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I don't blame the poor guy. During the opening ceremony, as the athletes stood waiting for the flag, one of his own team was caught on live TV taking an unsolicited photo of Roger on a mobile! Real Classy.
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About all the comments, only a few things: Beijing isn't the first Olimpic Games for Nadal, he was at Athens; also the past weekend Nadal had to face a huge number of athletes who wants to make pictures with him while he was eating (or try to); I suppose that all the athlets wants to be with their respectives boyfriend/girlfriend not only Federer...
But also I have to say that I understand Federer. I think he is seriously afraid of losing, that's why he is doing all these things. He wants to be focus and avoid all the distractions.
But if I could I would say to him that he is losing the spirit of the Olympics Games, different to all the other competions. Although he wins, he won't win the real "Olympic Gold" because he will have left something on the way.
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I've just read a few comments about Federer's decision. So, sorry if I repeat anything:
Anyone who saw Federer play the 1st round in Cincinnati would have seen just how rattled he was. Making mistakes he's never made.
I say - he needs to rediscover his hunger. I think that's what's gone out of his game. Even at the Wimbledon - he looked to me like a guy fighting with himself to find the same focus.
Nadal is a great great player. But Federer is the impersonation of the average Joe who makes Tennis - and life - look easy.
If I see Federer fight and lose - I'll take it. But not without a fight.
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I wonder if Roger is running away from what Rafa is embracing? In that, I mean the true spirit of the Olympic Games. This is an unusual event for our tennis stars; they don't get paid, there is not direct link to rankings and they are not the focal point of the attraction. Yet here we have Roger Federer, in Nadal's words 'the greatest of the history' and he checks into a hotel because his fellow competitors want to have a photo taken with him?
So, does that mean if Tiger Woods feels like having a pic taken with Fedders after a quick round of golf he might get turned down? Call me facetious but this kind of behaviour annoys me, especially when the real tennis star of the games is happy to have all the photographs in the world taken of him...........
A falling star? Maybe Fedders needs a reality check..............
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I feel I must add that I admire Roger greatly, and I have no personal grievance toward him, if this was at a Slam or at a Masters event I would have no dispute over the matter, I just feel that amongst all of the greats that are competing in Beijing, Roger is perhaps failing to embrace the olympic spirit.
He's not the only crowd-pleaser in China right now.
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Roger is not an ordinary guy who has ordinary social relations ! He's got a life at a different level which is untouchable ! He's the gold standard of class both on the court and off the court. Let him tell us about what it takes to maintain his class at that level. If it takes to stay in a 5 star hotel to win a gold medal, then he got to do it.
God bless Roger !
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I feel sooooooooo sorry for Roger, he has been/is a great name in the tennis world and been great for the sport plus sport in general. He needs to focus, and can't obviously do this in a busy Olympic village. Much as I embrace the whole ideal, in a way I don't blame him. He has become a victim of his own success, hence the blasted press. Shame he's missing out on meeting all those new friends.
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Roger is ok staying where he likes !what has it got to do with reporters ? will they be playing tennis and need to concentrate , no they just harass the people who do with stupid comments . give the guy a break .
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If I have not misread some of the press (see below) the Williams sisters are also staying outside the village - why has nobody picked up on that? Why just Roger? Very unfair.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/olympics/article4504916.ece
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Didn't Ovett and Coe do the same thing?
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