Federer admits ‘breakdown’ after Bogota match cancellation

The 38-year-old’s five-country tour is covered in broadcaster ESPN’s candid documentary ‘Roger Federer: Everywhere is Home’, which will air on December 17. It charts the 20-time Grand Slam champion’s journey, including the history-making match in Mexico City bullring when a 42,517 delirious fans watched him take on Zverev — a record crowd for a tennis match.

One of the most memorable segments of the documentary comes in Bogota when large scale demonstrations and riots led to a curfew imposed by the government, shortly before Federer and Zverev were supposed to start their match. With a huge crowd already present, Federer decided the situation was not safe.

Footage shows Federer walking back to his locker room, where he broke down in tears and was hugged by Zverev. “We went to warm up and were having a blast on the court, but then everything started to get a bit crazy,” said Federer.

“I was thinking ‘Is this the best scenario?’ Because people need to get home and be safe and this was honestly when I knew we shouldn’t play. It was too much stress and pressure for everybody. I had a bit of a breakdown. It was not going to be the dream match it was supposed to have been and I could feel it all falling apart at the end.”

Throughout Federer’s illustrious career, visits to South America have been rare with few big tournaments held there. His tour had visits to Chile, Argentina, Colombia, Ecuador and Mexico. “It was an unbelievable and amazing trip each step along the way as the fans expressed their love for the sport and appreciation for the experience,” said the Swiss great. “There were so many highlights. It was truly a magical adventure and a blastas well.”

ESPN’s Tom Rinaldi, who hosts the half-hour show, said the documentary offers rare insight into Federer’s personality.