Federer says players must not complain about courts

Source: Agencies  |   2008-7-2  |     NEWSPAPER EDITION

PLAYERS should stop grumbling about playing on the outside courts at Wimbledon and get on with their real jobs, world No. 1 Roger Federer said on Monday.

On the sixth day of the grasscourt championships, Serena Williams and Serbian world No. 2 Jelena Jankovic hit out at organizers after they were shunted off the two main showcourts at the All England Club.

While twice former champion Williams was popped on to Court 2, Jankovic was unhappy at playing her fourth-round match on the far flung Court 18 which she described as being "almost in the parking lot."

Federer, who beat Lleyton Hewitt 7-6, 6-2, 6-4 on Centre Court on Monday, said players should stop paying so much attention to their billing at Wimbledon.

"The thing is Pete (Sampras) played on Court 2 after winning seven years. Who deserves what here?" asked the world No. 1, referring to Sampras' final match here when he was beaten by Switzerland's George Bastl on the infamous court.

Packed schedule

"It's the club who decides in the end. We're happy to be playing here. They can put us at Aorangi (practice courts) or Roehampton if they want to, but we have to accept the fact."

The scheduling on Monday certainly raised eyebrows because defending women's champion Venus Williams, who is chasing a fifth title here, was also demoted to the infamous 'graveyard of the champions' Court 2.

Tournament referee Andrew Jarrett said organizing the packed schedule on the second Monday meant not all players could play on the courts they preferred.

"With 16 matches to play on six show courts, it is inevitable that some leading players will be scheduled away from Centre and Court 1," he said.

"This is always the case on the second Monday at Wimbledon and as such provides a great opportunity for spectators."

Although Venus refused to get drawn into the argument her younger sister Serena did not hold back.