Tennis legend Roger Federer has called for a "revolution" in the way the sport deals with social media and works with journalists following Emma Raducanu 's issues at Wimbledon and Naomi Osaka 's high-profile struggles with her mental health.
Before her stunning US Open success, 18-year-old British sensation Raducanu shot to prominence after a surprise run to the fourth round in SW19 earlier in the summer.
But in that last-16 tie with Ajla Tomljanovic, she experienced breathing difficulties and retired, later admitting: "The whole experience has caught up with me."
Raducanu received some criticism on social media for pulling out, as well as more high-profile jabs from the likes of Piers Morgan and John McEnroe.
The same has been true for Japanese star Osaka, who missed Wimbledon after also withdrawing from the French Open to focus on her mental health, and is currently taking an indefinite break from the sport after a tearful exit from the US Open.
When asked to compare his own experience as a young player to what breakthrough stars face today, Federer was quick to point out the major difference.
"The first ten years of my life there was no social media," he told GQ. "Maybe I had just a website, then the next ten years social media was everywhere.
"I was following Emma Raducanu’s incredible run in Wimbledon and also Naomi Osaka these last few years – it's been amazing, both of their stories.
"But it hurts when you see what happens and when they don't feel well. The stress is so great. And I think a lot has to be down to social media."
The Swiss great went on to say he believes the time is right for a change in the relationship between tennis players and reporters, calling for them to come together to map out the future.
"I think players, the tournaments, journalists, we need to sit down together in a room and go, 'OK, what would work for you and what works for us?'" Federer said. "We need a revolution. Or at least an evolution of where we are today.
"I think we do need to help, coach and mentor the younger generation more. I can’t imagine going through the beginning of my career with social media – I have no clue how I would have handled it.
"For every ten nice comments there’s always one negative comment and, of course, that is the one you focus on. It’s a horrible situation."
Federer, a 20-time Grand Slam champion, is currently recovering from his third knee surgery in 18 months and hopes to be able to return to competitive action next season.
