Not fast but furious Roger Federer lashes out at umpire on towel row

Twenty-time Grand Slam champion Roger Federer on Thursday engaged in an argument with the chair umpire as he received a time violation during his match against Marin Cilic at French Open 2021. Federer was called for a time violation for taking too long between points. 

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Cilic was serving at 3-1 in the second set when Federer walked off the court to use his towel. Apparently, the 39-year-old took long enough for the umpire to call a time violation. 

As soon as the umpire called a violation on him, Federer reached his chair to engage in a discussion. Roger Federer explained that he was not even served with a warning. 

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“I listened when you were speaking to me, now listen to me when I’m speaking to you,” Federer said.

“I’m sorry, but that makes no sense, I don’t understand. You didn’t tell me. You said you thought I was slow, but you thought wrong. Just talk to me, tell me, ‘hey Roger, I think you’re being too slow’. Do you think I’m being that slow? Please start thinking before reacting.”

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“I don’t even dare to go my towel anymore,” he added.

Federer saw off Marin Cilic for the 10th time in 11 meetings, winning 6-2, 2-6, 7-6 (7/4), 6-2.

Playing in only his second French Open since 2015, Federer goes on to face Germany’s Dominik Koepfer for a place in the last 16.