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 Squash
Fan Federer Supports Olympic Bid
 World
No2 Roger Federer is backing Squash to be added to the Olympic
Games programme in 2020.
"I
think it's a wonderful sport. It's unfortunate some sports don't get the
opportunity to be in the Olympics," said Federer. "I think squash would
deserve it. They run a great tour and they have great players and
characters. I'd personally be very happy for them."
The
17-time major champion had the opportunity to meet women's squash world
No1 Nicol David at the ABN AMRO World Tennis Tournament in
Rotterdam. Federer expressed his support to David and revealed he played
the sport growing up.
"I
used to play it a lot when I was younger every Sunday with my dad,"
Federer said. "I started with a wooden racquet like I did in tennis.
I've always been a big fan of the sport."
Federer and David conversed over dinner. David, a native of Malaysia and
resident of Amsterdam, was thrilled to spend quality time with the Swiss
superstar.
"It
was exciting. He's such a great guy and true champion," said David.
"He's so down to earth. He showed us what it's like behind the scenes to
be a tennis player.
"It's
very similar to squash," added the 29-year-old from Penang who has
topped the women's world rankings since August 2006. "So it's been great
to spend time with him."
When
asked if she played tennis, David said: "I'm a tennis fan but not a
player. I follow Roger's progress and he definitely brings the sport up
to another level."
World
Squash Federation President N Ramachandran
was delighted by the tennis star's endorsement: "It is fantastic to have
Roger Federer supporting Squash's campaign to join the Olympic Sports
Programme.
"His
endorsement means a great deal because he is a true sporting icon who
knows what it means to compete at the Olympic Games."
Squash 2020 website:
www.squash2020.com
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