Former Belgian tennis player Christophe Rochus is no stranger to controversy, especially when it comes to doping and Rafael Nadal. His off-the-wall remarks have included a call to legalizing doping in sports because he believes that players take advantage of performance enhancement drugs anyway, not that he or his brother, ATP player Olivier Rochus, ever have. Less than a year after Tio Toni had some choice words for him, he is back in the limelight, this time in connection with Rafa’s performance at the Australian Open final.
Christophe Rochus and Jean Paul Loth were two of several commentators for Eurosport France during the final against Stanislas Wawrinka on January 26, 2014. Commenting on Rafa’s extended MTO, and his subsequent return to take the third set, Rochus speculated that Rafa was faking the injury. He further insinuated that Rafa had gone into the locker room to “get a shot“.
Given the history that Rochus has with his penchant for unsubstantiated allegations, it is hardly surprising that he would find Rafa’s efforts attributable to anything but fine sportsmanship. What is surprising, however, is that of all the reputable experts available, Eurosport France would choose him as a consultant for this potentially historical final.
The French, however, took to Twitter to raise objections to the absurd allegations. Adeline Auger, a writer with Tennis Troteur, stated in her article that Nicolas Mahut, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga’s coach Thierry Ascione, and Alize Cornet were among the first to respond in support of Rafa.
Even if Rochus is within his rights to state his opinion, was it a good idea for Eurosport France to take him on as a consultant, given his history? And what of Rochus himself: Where does the animosity come from?
Every time Rafa falls victim to a false accusation, we look the other way, because we know that the man, the champion he is, has nothing to prove or defend. But maleficent voices, such as that of Rochas’, only tend to get louder when they are given a platform to speak from. We sincerely hope that media outlets make better choices in the future.
So what do you think of this episode? Write your comments below.
If injury was fake then why he serve at 130km/hr? He would have hit above 180….this is such non sense that commentators like this are still present…
Es celos ya que no le da ni por los pies a Rafa
JERK, JERK AND SUPER JERK!!!!! WHAT ARE THEY THINKING WHEN THEY PUT MICROPHONES ON HANDS OF THAt POIGNANT, UPSETTING KIND OF ITCHES?!?!?
Rochus check ur own stats be4 u accuse a champion…. u suck as a tennis player. No wonder ur feeling jealous abt others.
It’s time for Rafa to take legal action against him.
I’m one of the few federer fans that also love rafa and i’ve seen him at his best and worst and i can 100% that this is not true just bitter people who hasn’t got the talent class and heart that rafa got so i’ll just forget this big mouth nobody as rafa should xxx
Well judging by the comments left it shows what people think of this guy, I think both him and who he was working for are just looking for attention and trying to make money, they must really be desperate!!!
why cant Rochus shut his mouth n appreciates what Rafa has accomplishes ……Whatever it is, We all have seen what Nadal can do on the court…provide spectacular match n has change the game….lawn tennis is just not merely a skill games but hardcore athleticism sport in this 21th century ….Rochus u are bitchier who envy nadal skill n stamina
i could not prevent my tears when i watched rafa crying in pain.i love you rafa .please be brave and get well soon
Who is he I have never heard of him – enough said!!!!! Rafa greatest champion ever in my opinion and some tw*t I have never heard of will not change my mind
Rochus WHO… some more hocus pocus JEALOUS mister rochus…
Looks like he only gets an audience if he mentions our Rafa’s name… Dufus Rochus… go get a life!!!
Rafa has nothing to prove. He is a great guy and an exceptional athlete. A great gentleman, and he wouldn’t malign nor accuse anyone wrongly. Those that put Rafa down are just jealous because they are nowhere near his accomplishments as a tennis superstar and as a person. Way to go Rafa!
I think for Eurosport France to have Rochus as a commenter they must of have a anti Rafa agenda & there is an element of French media that hate on Rafa fairly regularly I saw a French news paper I can not remember which one describe his last years Roland Garros victory simply as boring anti-tennis rather ridiculously & my view is they wanted him to say something and cause this controversy. Rafa doesn’t deserve this and I hope enough people complain make them think twice about continuing this behaviour, they deserve to be used quite frankly.
Christopher Rochus…is a PATHETIC …..JEALOUS player….and a very IMPOLITE one too….why is he keep on accusing Rafa of doping….just purely JEALOUSY…get a LIFE C. ROCHUS..
It sounds like jealousy to me. We all know that Rafa is the very last person who would ever fake an injury and certainly the very last person who would ever NEED to fake an injury to get out of a game. Rafa would have given Wawrinka a very hard time if he had not been injured and I feel sure that he would have won the Open. He is a very competitive player and would have wanted to be at his best as he is at all times. He is a very fair player and an absolute gentleman, on and off the court. He will be back winning many more majors. My absolute favourite man!
Rafa would never do such a thing. It’s not in his heart and it’s not who he is. It’s disgusting of Rochus to accuse him without knowing anything. It’s an insult to Rafa. He didn’t become the World’s No.1 for nothing. Give him some respect, for pete’s sake! Rafa is a legend. He’s our hero and we need to defend him. It’s our responsibility to speak out against any rubbish said about our champion. Vamos, Rafa! We love you from the bottom of our hearts. You’re the best. You’re the inspiration.
Lo que deja ver Eurosport Francia es su falta de etica y profesionalismo al elegir a ésta persona para los comentarios de la final de australia teniendo excelentes personas para realizar esta labor, que buscaban?, de parte de rochus, lo único que puedo decir es que es un resentido de la vida y del tenis, Rafa tiene lo que a muchos jugadores les falta, empuje, ganas, amor,entrega, tesón, caballerosidad y respeto por ese deporte tan hermoso, pero como las cosas se toman de quien vienen, ignorarlo es mejor. Rafa eres el mejor.
He’s just jealous. Never made much of an impact as a player and wants to be known for something. Guess coaching jobs aren’t rolling in either. Desperate attempt for publicity. Not surprised it was the French who gave him the chance. Bet they were hoping all along he’d do something like this. Lot of Rafa hate in France.
bullshit.he can go shove it down his behind.clearly he is jealous Nadal is a great sportsman than he WAS n wants to ruin it fo Nadal.
idiot just,if it where mi,i would play deaf.
We should not even care! That guy is pathetic and jaleous! Vamos Rafa !