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.
Rochus is a nasty bad minded person i think its jelousy that the fact is he couldnt lace rafas shoes shame on the french media giving him a job rafa your a credit to the sport x
False accusations against Rafa!Would Rafa ever think of doping amidst his fame ?God bless you Rafa !
What absolute rubbish, this guy is smoking something for sure !!!!!!
Amazing isn’t it …, when people are jealous of who some people are & what they have achieved they often react with unjust accusations & hatred – it’s also known as ‘tall poppy syndrome’. They are usually under achievers themselves and spend vast amounts of time & energy trying to bring people down to their level. Well – I have news for you Rochus – Rafa is a thousand times the man you’ll ever be so my advice to you is leave well alone before you drown in your own crap! Oh and another thing …, those who usually accuse others are usually guilty themselves. 🙁
Interested:
Don’t the players have to give s a sample after every match? I thought that was standard practice!
Who is this guy to make a comment like this..all is about envy
Agree with Annie!! Don’t waste your time on this stupid guy!!! I’m done with it!!!
GOD THEM….GO RAFA…
Rafa is a genuine nice guy and an excellent tennis player. He would never ever fake an injury so ROCHUS should shut up and not be allowed to do anymore commentating. He is obviously jealous that he can’t play.
you are a very sick puppy…you wish you were Like Rafa ..so polite and and Humble..and the best Tennis player in the world..The word is jealous yes jealous…why don’t you spend your precious time on somebody ..starting with yourself…in other words your a pathetic !!
Christophe who? a has been who never was? Jealousy is a curse. I was in Rod Laver Arena for the final and yes Stan played great but Iv seen Rafa come back and win after being down a set, Grigor Dimitrov gave him a huge challenge, as did the Fed, so faking an injury is just not in his mind set so ignore negative comments and Vamos Rafa xo
Ese señor no le llega a Rafa ni al talón del zapato. Rafa es una persona y un atleta admirable. Debería demandar a es” señor” para que aprenda a no difamar y no hablar sin pruebas. El medio que lo contrató debe ser de la misma calaña.
I am a fan of Rafa, however, how can anyone really know what is in his heart, or what goes on behind closed doors. In some circles, it (illegal doping) is just an accepted part of professional sport, especially at the top levels. And the more money one has, the more they are able to pay for the latest technologies to go undetected. And the professional sports organizations that control things ie NFL or ATP would prefer to look the other way if they can because at the end of the day, except for the illegal part, it (doping) is good for the sports image as wells the bottom line $$. One of the more obvious ways doping manifests is when someone , used to be thinner & is now ”thicker” ie barry bonds – look at his photos from early in his career to at the end of his career. Just Sayin…
most everyone get bigger the more they age, for a while anyway.
RAFALOVE♥♥♥ Personality of a Saint, Character of Saint, His Sportsmanship, the Respect he shows for others. The live he has for sports…. Doesn’t sound like a dopper to me or that he will even consider doing something that would destroy your body in thd end. THATS NOT OUR RAFA!!!!! CHRISTOPHER ROCHUS IS JUST A WASTE OF SPACE IF YOU ASK ME AND A JEALOUS RAFA HATER…. There will always be haters But Rafa will ALWAYS BE A CHAMPION♥♥♥
interesting you call yourself a rafa fan yet you question his professional integrity. hummm…..
It sickens me that clowns like Rochus and Loth are allowed to do this
Without any proof. Please let’s see the facts .
I believe in Rafa however note the cyclist who was doping for years and denying it.
RAFA ES GRANDE NO NECESITA DOPARSE PARA GANAR.ES UNA PERSONA ÍNTEGRA,NOBLE QUERIDA POR SU SENCILLEZ.QUÉ BAJO LO DEL COMENTARISTA.ESTO ENGRANDECE A RAFA.
Rafa, olvídate de todo y a jugar Tu tenis. Saludos.
what a unfair way to speak of Rafa, anyone with any common sense about them woul never talk about Rafa that way, he is one person that never would fake an injury. he don’t stand and watch the tennis balls go by him on purpose. when he is hurt he cant move as fast neither can anyone else that is injured. Rochus is surely Jealous of Rafa.
Envy. He deserves nothing but being ignored as the ignorant he is.
He shouldn’t be given any sort of platform from this point forward. He’s completely unprofessional and ridiculous. No one really cares what he has to say, do they?
Rise above it Rafa – Rochas us a complete tool! X