Federer avoids press harassment

As Olympic village prepares to throw birthday bash for tennis ace BEIJING - The World’s tennis number one player Roger Federer has ruled out staying in the Beijing Olympic village to avoid press harassment ahead of the Games which open today. The Swiss delegation head, Werner Augsburger told reporters yesterday that Federer has opted to stay outside the Olympic village so that he could get time to concentrate and focus on the Games. “Federer has his own habits and prefers to live by himself. He is avoiding harassment from both the press and fans,” Augsburger said. Augsburger further added that Federer who is the star of the Swiss team is expected to visit everybody at the Olympic village and even walk about. Though the professional volleyball player did not clearly mention the date, the Swiss apartment is preparing to throw a birth day bash for the 27 year old star. However, some of the participants from different countries at the Olympic village are also hosting a surprise birthday bash for Federer. Federer’s birthday is coincidentally on the same day of this year’s Beijing Olympic Games opening ceremony. Federer is among 82 Switzerland athletes sent to compete in the 2008 Beijing Olympics in the tennis, archery, triathlon, marathon, men’s 800 meters, and track cycling. Out of the 82, 34 are female. Ends

Lifestyle

Federer avoids press harassment