Melbourne (AFP)
Criticized by environmental activists, including Greta Thunberg, for his ties to a sponsor allegedly investing in fossil fuels, Roger Federer announced Monday his intention to donate to the victims of the fires ravaging Australia.
"If we can help it is good to show solidarity in the face of a situation that has become quite incredible in the country," said world number 3, during an advertising event in Melbourne.
Like many other tennis figures who have pledged hundreds of thousands of dollars, Federer said he will "also make a personal donation Wednesday" in Melbourne during a fundraising charity match. for Australia, ravaged by huge fires, alongside notably Rafael Nadal or Serena Williams.
Criticized by environmentalists for its relationship with Credit Suisse, which they believe has lent billions of dollars to the fossil fuel industry, Federer said he was "grateful to young climate activists for pushing us all to examine our behavior. "
"Since 2016, Credit Suisse has provided $ 57 billion to companies looking for new fossil fuel deposits - which is completely incompatible with #ClimateAction. Do you agree with Roger Federer?" Wrote the environmental NGO 350.org in a retweeted message by young Swedish activist Greta Thunberg.
"I appreciate the reminders concerning my responsibility as an individual, as an athlete and as an entrepreneur, and I undertake to use this privileged position to dialogue on important questions with my sponsors", replied Federer in a press release.
Men's players donated $ 500,000, the Tennis Professionals Association (ATP) said on Sunday, while Serena Williams of the United States donated $ 43,000 in winnings to the tournament on the same day Auckland.
World tennis stars will meet at the Australian Open from January 20 for the first Grand Slam tournament of the season.
Federer, 38, has won the Australian Open six times.
© 2020 AFP