Fans pay Rs 46,000 to watch Federer, feel 'cheated'; Stadium not full

New Delhi, Dec 7: Roger Federer fans and plain tennis lovers, who made it here for the International Premier Tennis League (IPTL) from all parts of India, feel they have not got their money's worth with some of the tickets costing as high as Rs 46,000 for three days.

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Sunita Sigita, who is a "big time" Federer fan and has been travelling to Wimbledon every year to watch him play since 2008, said she felt fleeced with the returns on her Rs 29,000 seat for the North-West Premium Block at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium. (Federer takes Aces to victory)

"I feel cheated with what I have got. I have travelled the world to see Roger play and with the money I spent here, I at least expected a seat on the court level. But as it turns out, I have been told to sit on the yellow coloured seats which are not even cleaned properly and far away from the court," Sunita, who bought the ticket from Calcutta South Club, told PTI.

Her ticket costs Rs 27,000 on the website of IPTL ticket partner bookmyshow.com. Calcutta-based Sunita has come here with nieces Rajeshwari and Prabha, who have spent Rs 15,000 each plus Rs 9,000 airfare to make it to the capital.

"I also missed my exams to see Roger live but the seat we have got is disappointing to say the least," said class 12 student Rajeshwari.

Sunita added: "The high pricing is not a problem but it should be worth it. In the Dubai Championships where Federer plays, the on court tickets are priced lower than what I am paying for the far away seats here," said Sunita, who sported Federer attire from head to toe including ear rings. She is also a member of Switzerland-based fan club 'Fans4 Roger'.

Too far from the action

"With these seats, there is now way we could access him. He knows me since I have met him at Wimbledon so many times but I am sure he won't be able to see me from this distance," lamented Sunita.

Srinivas, a doctor based in Chandigarh, claimed he paid Rs 18,000 for three days before saying "it is just not worth it". "I can't even get a good picture of him from this view. He is too far," said Srinivas as Federer practiced with Pete Sampras before their match.

Raju, a fan from Chennai, said he would rather go to Dubai to see Federer play. "I paid Rs 15,000 which I feel is too much for the ticket I got. They surely need to review the pricing for next season. I plan to go to Dubai next year rather than coming back here," he said.

The IPTL organisers claimed a full house for the India leg but stadium today and yesterday did not look completely occupied. The only court level ticket on offer cost Rs 46000.

PTI