Federer Backs Olympic Squash Bid
Tennis’ world number two Roger Federer has given his backing for squash to be included in the 2020 Olympic Games programme after meeting women’s squash world number one Nicol David at the ABN AMRO World Tennis Tournament in Rotterdam this weekend.
The 17-time major tennis champion and squash fan said: ‘I think it’s a wonderful sport. It’s unfortunate some sports don’t get the opportunity to be in the Olympics. 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.’
Federer added: ‘I used to play it a lot when I was younger every Sunday with my dad. I started with a wooden racquet like I did in tennis. I’ve always been a big fan of the sport.’
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.’
The IOC will meet Buenos Aries in September to decide which events will be included in the 2020 Games, squash will be competing with wrestling, which was dropped last week from the programme, as well as roller sports, sporting climbing, baseball/softball, karate, wakeboarding and Wushu.
