World No.1 Roger Federer has received death threats on the eve of next week's Shanghai Masters that are due to start Oct.8. The message was sent by a blogger in a China accompanying the threat was also an doctored image of the Swiss with his head cut off on a tennis court according to officials.
"On October 6, I plan to assassinate Federer for the purpose of tennis extermination."
The threat was posted under the name "Blue Cat Polytheistic Religion Founder 07," on baidu.com. These threats have prompted tournament officials to raise the level of security at the tournament. Yang Yibin tournament director told Shanghai Youth Daily.
"We hope that it was an oral threat only, and the fan won't take substantive action. However, we have to take it seriously. We have contacted the local police and we will upgrade the level of security for Roger. Meanwhile, we will also protect other players' security."
Yibin in an updated statement also said.
"We are fully aware of the comments that have been made and we take all such issues seriously. The Shanghai Rolex Masters has security in place for our players and every precaution is taken to make sure players are kept safe and comfortable and allowed to do the job they are here for; to play tennis and provide their fans with the thrill of watching them in action."
Before the threat Federer was quoting as saying "It will be fantastic to return to Shanghai and the Shanghai Rolex Masters. I love the city and especially the fans. I've enjoyed great success at the tournament, dating back to the Tennis Masters Cups. I hope all the fans will come out to enjoy the matches."
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