Tuesday September 16, 06:57 PM
Melbourne too cold for 'outdoor' tie, says Rosset
By Greg Buckle
MELBOURNE, Sept 16 (Reuters) - Switzerland captain Marc Rosset expressed surprise on Tuesday that Australia had won approval to host this week's Davis Cup semi-final at an open-roofed venue in cold and windy conditions.
The three-day tie will be played on the Rod Laver Arena centre court at Melbourne Park, with the stadium's retractable roof open for the 'outdoor' tie.
"There's a good chance you can sprint or run to the ball and get injured just by the weather conditions," Rosset told a news conference on Tuesday.
"I was surprised that the ITF (International Tennis Federation) did agree (to the venue), but it's okay for us."
Rosset added that spectators keen to watch Swiss Wimbledon champion Roger Federer take on former world number one Lleyton Hewitt and Wimbledon finalist Mark Philippoussis would not enjoy the cold weather, along with the players.
"We're just a little bit surprised by the weather conditions," he said. "It's been quite cold (in the past week), especially on the outside court.
"I don't have any preference. But I think it would have been easier for everybody, even for the Australian team, to play indoors."
Tennis Australia spokesman John Lindsay has, however, said the Melbourne Park roof would be closed if heavy spring rain fell on the Rebound Ace court.
Rosset expects Friday's singles rubbers, scheduled to start from 1500 and 1830 local time (0500 and 0830 GMT), to be played in temperatures of around 10 degrees Celsius.
INJURY WORRIES
"I just worry that nobody gets injured, a player from my team or a player from the Australian team, because the weather conditions are very cold," he said.
Federer knows it will be vital for all the players to complete a thorough warm-up before this week's matches.
"I knew it was going to be fresh (in Melbourne), but maybe not that cold," said the Wimbledon champion. "There is quite a lot of wind.
"What can I say? The tie is supposed to be outdoors, and I'm ready to play outdoors. If it's indoors, I'll play indoors."
Federer, 22, is looking forward to his encounter with Philippoussis, having beaten the Australian 7-6 6-2 7-6 to win his maiden grand slam title in July.
"It's definitely a nice re-match," he said. "I think the (Rebound Ace) court also suits both our games."
The world number three added that he had enjoyed being thrust into the spotlight since his Wimbledon breakthrough.
"You get followed more by the media and the fans," he said. "I enjoy it, it's nice. I prefer it this way."
The draw for the three-day tie will be held at Melbourne Park, the Australian Open venue, on Thursday.
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