Roger Federer hits back at suggestion his medical timeout was gamesmanship after Pat Cash labels trend 'legal cheating'
- Roger Federer took medical timeout after losing the fourth set to Rafael Nadal
- Swiss disappeared, leaving Nadal on court for more than five minutes
- Pat Cash said trend for players to call timeout amounted to 'legal cheating'
- Federer hit back by saying his groin started hurting midway through third set
Roger Federer has hit back at suggestions that the medical timeout he took after the fourth set amounted to little more than gamesmanship.
On the BBC, Pat Cash was critical of a tendency among players to go off court for treatment when they want to change the momentum.
For the second successive match, Federer disappeared after losing the fourth set — leaving his opponent on court for more than five minutes.
![Roger Federer received treatment from a trainer during the final at the Australian Open](http://web.archive.org./web/20171126220729/http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2017/01/29/21/3C9F39D800000578-0-image-m-13_1485724106697.jpg)
Roger Federer received treatment from a trainer during the final at the Australian Open
![The Swiss claimed an 18th Grand Slam title but was criticised for his medical timeout](http://web.archive.org./web/20171126220729/http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2017/01/29/21/3C9F2D2B00000578-0-image-a-14_1485724164413.jpg)
The Swiss claimed an 18th Grand Slam title but was criticised for his medical timeout
‘It’s cheating and it’s being allowed. It’s legal cheating but it’s still not right,’ said former Wimbledon champion Cash. ‘It’s wrong, wrong and wrong.’
But Federer, who has been critical of the practice in the past, would have none of it.
‘I think to be critical there is exaggerating,’ he said. ‘I’m the last guy to call a medical timeout.
![Federer said he has led the way for 20 years in terms of using the rules without abusing them](http://web.archive.org./web/20171126220729/http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2017/01/29/21/3CA1142800000578-0-image-m-16_1485724179696.jpg)
Federer said he has led the way for 20 years in terms of using the rules without abusing them
'My leg has been hurting me since the Noah Rubin match and then I felt my quad, midway through the second set.
'The groin started to hurt midway through the third set. I just told myself, the rules are there, 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.’
Most watched Sport videos
- Jurgen Klopp fumes at referee Oliver after 1-1 Chelsea draw
- Mourinho admits side didn't play well but praises tough Brighton
- Conte 'very happy' with side's fighting spirit in 1-1 draw
- Ronaldo given luxurious Audi after Champions League performance
- Burnley 0-1 Arsenal: Arsene Wenger press conference
- Eddie Jones 'pleased' after England side beat Samoa 48-14
- Netflix documentary shows Grigory Rodchenkov on day of resignation
- Burnley manager Sean Dyche reacts to late loss to Arsenal
- Lionel Messi's career in 60 seconds, after he signs new deal
- Guardiola praises side after 'deserved' win at Huddersfield
- Hughton very disappointed not to get more from Old Trafford
- Silva: 'We could have scored six or seven' as side beat Toon 3-0
-
Jurgen Klopp urges Liverpool to ignore Manchester City...
-
Burnley vs Arsenal plus Southampton vs Everton, RESULTS:...
-
Rio Ferdinand, Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard admit...
-
Real Madrid 'set to offer £80m for Manchester United's...
-
Furious Chelsea fans stranded in Liverpool after...
-
Burnley 0-1 Arsenal: Alexis Sanchez steps up to net...
-
Lionel Messi explains why he will never be close friends...
-
Huddersfield Town vs Manchester City, RESULT: Pep...
-
The Premier League's average weekly wage rises above...
-
Cristiano Ronaldo unwinds at swanky restaurant with...
-
Huddersfield 1-2 Manchester City: Raheem Sterling bundles...
-
Liverpool were lucky to draw with Chelsea according to...
-
Ashes 2017, LIVE: Australia vs England - First Test, Day...
-
Stunning images reveal Ras Abu Aboud Stadium design for...
-
Anti-Semitic Tottenham taunts from Arsenal fans show that...
-
Beyonce in talks with Gareth Bale to sing at Real Madrid...
-
England crumble at the Gabba as Australia's fast bowlers...
-
Auburn fans completely cover playing field after Iron...