At a crucial juncture in last night’s epic Australian Open final between Federer and Nadal, Roger took a medical time out which effectively ruined the momentum of the Rafael Nadal. (Pat Cash criticizes Federer for controversial time out in Aus Open Final !)
The lengthy time out seemingly infuriated many people including former Wimbledon Champion Pat Cash. Cash, who was commentating for BBC’s Radio 5 Live, said that the break was far too long and should be considered as legal cheating.
“It’s cheating and it’s being allowed. It’s legal cheating but it’s still not right”, Cash said to the Sydney Morning Herald. (Pat Cash criticizes Federer for controversial time out in Aus Open Final !)
In his defense, Federer explained the situation and said that he did not mean to cheat in any way or form.
“Look, I mean, I explained myself a couple of days ago after the Stan (Wawrinka) match,” Federer said. “After he (Wawrinka) took a medical time-out, I thought I could also take one for a change and see if actually something like a massage during the match is actually going to help me. It did a little bit potentially. I’m not sure.”
“Well, I felt my quad midway through the second set already, and the groin started to hurt midway through the third set,” he said. “I just told myself, ‘the rules are there (so) you can use them’. I also think we shouldn’t be using these rules or abusing the system. I think I’ve led the way for 20 years. So I think to be critical there is exaggerating. I’m the last guy to call a medical time-out.
The usually expressive Nadal did not seem to have a problem with the time out. Instead of hovering around the umpire’s chair like most people, Rafa was seen taking some time out for himself as well. (Pat Cash criticizes Federer for controversial time out in Aus Open Final !)
On being asked after the match if he felt anything otherwise regarding the move, the Spaniard replied: “No opinion about that. I don’t know what’s going on.”
