Federer Greeted by Death Threat in Shanghai

October 5, 2012 | By New York Tennis Magazine Staff
Roger_Federer_08_3
Photo credit: Kenneth B. Goldberg

World number two Roger Federer, who has landed in China for the 2012 Shanghai Rolex Masters, has received a death threat from an anonymous blogger on a Chinese Web site, baidu.com. The threat has heightened the security detail around not only Federer, but the other stars slated to appear at the event. The message, posted by a user named Blue Cat Polytheistic Religion Founder 07, stated: “On October 6, I plan to assassinate Federer for the purpose of tennis extermination.” Posted along with the message was an image of a decapitated Federer on his knees on a tennis court, with a masked executioner dressed in black and holding an axe posing next to him.

“We are fully aware of the comments that have been made and we take all such issues seriously," said Shanghai Open Tournament Director Yang Yibin. "The Shanghai Rolex Masters has security in place for our players and every precaution is taken to make sure players are kept safe and comfortable and allowed to do the job they are here for; to play tennis and provide their fans with the thrill of watching them in action.”

“Shanghai is one of my favorite cities in Asia, and I look forward to getting back to the Shanghai Rolex Masters," said Federer. "I love the passionate fans, and the facilities and tournament are amazing”

This will be Roger’s seventh trip to Shanghai. The last time he played the Shanghai Rolex Masters, he reached the finals where he was defeated by Andy Murray. The Main Draw Ceremony takes place Oct. 6.


New York Tennis Magazine Staff
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