The chief of the Italian Federation of Tennis, Angelo Binaghi has always had some reservations about Roger Federer. In an interview that he did with Sky Sports two years ago, the dearth of sympathy from the FIT president’s end for the Swiss champion was evident and still persists.
What Angelo Binaghi thinks of Federer?
According to an exclusive interview given to Sky Sports during “The Lords of Tennis” transmission, Binaghi strongly sided with Nadal, he said: “Even without knowing him personally, I am a big fan of Nadal. Because tennis, and also life, was a struggle for me. And Nadal seems to me to embody myself better than anyone else. What I would like to be. Certainly, not Federer. I always hated those who played tennis better than me, but who didn’t suffer … So, all of Nadal’s life”.
Two years ago, in April, he commented on “King Roger’s” absence at the Italian International. During the Foro Italico’s last edition, he was found to be confronting with current World number 3, regarding the Grandstand’s playing conditions. Despite the fact that the condition of the field was “bad,” Binaghi played them all down. He had then said, “When you lose, you always look for excuses”. Whereas, in reality, Federer did not lose in Rome but retired because of persistent physical problems he was facing in the tournament.
To the question asked by a reporter, as to who is Binaghi willing to grant the nationality of Italy, if possible. He undoubtedly indicated towards Nadal and said, “Even if I don’t personally know Nadal, I’m a fan of him. Tennis for me is struggle and Nadal is the personification of it, certainly not like Federer”.
Lastly, he signed off saying, “If Federer were to ask for Italian citizenship I would give it to him, but then I would think “Cabbage, Nadal could also happen.”
