Federer, Sampras cool to heated row between media and security

Thursday November 22, 2007

KUALA LUMPUR: A heated argument between a photographer and a security bouncer at a hotel here nearly marred a press conference by tennis greats Roger Federer and Pete Sampras.

The players had arrived earlier yesterday in a private jet at the Subang airport and were scheduled to meet the press prior to their Clash of Times match at the Melawati Stadium in Shah Alam tonight.

After both stars had emerged from their limousines at the hotel entrance, they posed for pictures with the hotel’s general manager in the lobby.

When the more than 20 photographers moved towards them to get better shots of the trio, burly security bouncers prevented their intent by using force.

Ugly scene: Photographers and hotel security personnel engaging in a war of words just before the press conference in Kuala Lumpur yesterday.

An annoyed photographer then screamed at one of the bouncers, who in turn retaliated with threats. A few more photographers then joined in the war of words.

As both photographer and bouncer threatened each other, Sampras and Federer, who were nearby, looked dumbfounded. They were then led away by security officers to a holding room before the press conference.

The event organisers and hotel management managed to prevent another incident between the photographer and bouncer during the press conference with some coaxing and apologies.

Federer later laughed off the incident.

“I guess you are all probably glad to see me here – there’s too much excitement,” he joked.

The 26-year-old world number one spoke later that he had heard wonderful things about Malaysia, and was keen to visit its beaches on his next vacation.

During Sampras’ interview session, “Pistol Pete” said he was enjoying his retirement from tennis, but that he was looking forward to facing Federer again tonight after their exhibition match in South Korea on Tuesday.

“Yes, I’m enjoying my life now and I’m happy to be able to sleep in my own bed and not having to travel regularly around the world.

“I don’t miss that lifestyle anymore because after some time it takes its toll. I love my two children and wife and want to spend as much time with them as I can,” he said.