Roger Federer has responded to climate activist Greta Thunberg's criticism of his sponsorship deal with Credit Suisse, saying he doesn't take the threat of climate change lightly.
Thunberg created headlines around the world last week when she shared a tweet aimed at Federer's relationship with the bank.
"Since 2016 Credit Suisse has provided $57 BILLION to companies looking for new fossil fuel deposits - something that is utterly incompatible with #ClimateAction," said the tweet from 350.org Europe that Thunberg retweeted.
"@RogerFederer do you endorse this? #RogerWakeUp Now"
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The tweet and Thunberg's promotion of it is just the latest instance of Federer's relationship with Credit Suisse coming under the microscope.
A group of climate activists faced court last week after refusing to pay fines related to a publicity stunt at multiple Credit Suisse branches in Switzerland last year.
The protesters, some dressed in tennis whites, hit tennis balls back and forth inside mutliple Credit Suisse branches in Switzerland last year.
More protests were held during the court proceedings last week, with one banner saying: "Credit Suisse is destroying the planet. Roger, do you support them?"
Before long #WakeUpRoger was trending on Twitter, forcing the 20-time Grand Slam champion to respond.
Federer, 38, has been training in Melbourne ahead of the Australian Open next week, and referred to the devastating bushfires currently ravaging the country in a statement released over the weekend.
“I take the impacts and threat of climate change very seriously, particularly as my family and I arrive in Australia amidst devastation from the bush fires,” the statement read.
“As the father of four young children and a fervent supporter of universal education, I have a great deal of respect and admiration for the youth climate movement, and I am grateful to young climate activists for pushing us all to examine our behaviours and act on innovative solutions.
"We owe it to them and ourselves to listen.
"I appreciate reminders of responsibility as a private individual, as an athlete and as an entrepreneur, and I’m committed to using this privileged position to dialogue on important issues with my sponsors.”
Federer didn't address the specific criticisms directed at him, or his sponsorship deal with Credit Suisse, but the six-time Australian Open champion will take part in the Rally for Relief bushfire fundraiser to be held at Rod Laver Arena this week.
