Federer laments Colombia 'breakdown'

BOGOTA - Tennis legend Roger Federer has told of his psychological torment after an exhibition duel scheduled against Alexander Zverev in Colombia last month was cancelled.

The fixture, slated for Bogota's Movistar arena on December 22, was called off minutes before its scheduled start amid fears of violence. Earlier, city mayor Enrique Penalosa decreed a curfew to avoid riots and looting following anti-government protests.

"We went to warm up and were having a blast on the court, but then everything started to get a bit crazy," Federer said.

"I was thinking, 'Is this the best scenario?' Because people needed to get home and be safe and this was honestly when I knew we shouldn't play, it was too much stress and pressure for everybody.

"I had a bit of a breakdown. It was not going to be the dream match it was supposed to have been and I could feel it all falling apart at the end. When I came back [to the locker room] I was emotionally wasted."

Federer, whose 20 grand slam titles make him the most successful male player in history, has made only one appearance in Colombia. In 2012 he beat Frenchman Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in an exhibition duel in Bogota.