Federer wants roof over Roland Garros arena

PARIS: Roger Federer wants French Open organisers to follow the example of the Australian Open and Wimbledon by building a roof over a showcourt at Roland Garros.   

Rain washed away all but 14 matches on the opening two days of the claycourt grand slam, leaving thousands of fans drenched and frustrated.   

In Melbourne Park the two main courts have a retractable roof and Wimbledon is building a similar structure over its Centre Court in London.   

"I'm always for having the option," said the world number one's after his first-round win over American Michael Russell spilled over to a second day   

"The TVs and fans come to the stadium and plan a day at Roland Garros, for instance, they would be so happy to see us play no matter what conditions.   

"So that's why Australia is so good. They always have the opportunity. Other tournaments have it, too.  Wimbledon is making a big step forward and I think it would be good for every tournament to have something like this.     

"I know budget doesn't always allow it but I would guess this tournament has the cash so it should not be a problem."