The ‘brutally hot’ event where Roger Federer ‘couldn’t handle’ the conditions

Roger Federer admitted he ‘couldn’t handle’ the humidity in Canada

Federer also emerged victorious at the Olympics, claiming doubles gold in 2008 and singles silver in 2012.

At the former in Beijing, he was tasked with discussing the challenging conditions after an early win over Dmitry Tursunov, of which he said: “I mean, it is pretty humid, comparing it to other places we play during the year.

“There’s not many places, if any, that are that humid. I don’t think today was the hottest day out there. You know, in the preparation week, I thought we had some days that were way more difficult than today. But it’s something that I used to struggle with actually, you know, humidity.

“Actually, I remember one of the matches I played against Guillermo Canas back in Canada way back, five, six years ago, maybe six years ago in Toronto. I remember it was brutally hot and I couldn’t handle the humidity.

“That was one of the reasons I wanted to go and practice in Dubai, you know. So we have 45 degrees, a lot of humidity.

“Ever since I started doing that, I don’t have a problem any more in it, which is key, you know. Because in Switzerland, we don’t get heat like this.

“It’s something you better get used to because, especially in the States or in Australia, it can get very hot.”

Guillermo Canas boasts a fine head-to-head record with Roger Federer

Federer was referencing the ATP Masters 1000 Canada back in 2002 at the time, which was held in Toronto.

And not only did Canas knock the Swiss ace out in their opening match, but the Argentine went on to lift the title.

He beat Andy Roddick in the final, having clearly not had as much of an issue with the conditions as Federer did.

After that first-ever meeting, Canas and Federer played out an exciting rivalry on the ATP Tour, with their head-to-head record ending on three wins each.