Apology Issued For Federer Threat in Shanghai

The man only known as "Blue Cat" issued an apology to tournament officials in Shanghai for his alleged death threat against Roger Federer last week.

By Erik Gudris

(October 8, 2012) -- Despite arriving at the Shanghai Rolex Masters this weekend with a possible death threat hanging over him, World No. 1 Roger Federer may finally be able to relax after the man who made the initial threat apologized to tournament officials.

The man only known as "Blue Cat" who posted the threat online a few days sent an apology to the event's organizers after his words against Federer made headlines around the world. Per a report by Italian media outlet Tennis World, the poster got involved in an heated online argument with other sports fans on an internet message forum and that's when he sent out the threat against Federer.

"I was arguing with the fans Federer and then I wrote something stupid ... I hope that the organizers can understand me, forgive me and if possible send my apologies to Federer and his family," said "Blue Cat" in his statement.

Federer, who made a last minute decision to compete in Shanghai, arrived at the tournament without his wife Mirka and his twin daughters. In a pre-event press conference, Federer acknowledge the threat made against him but also was aware that it comes with the territory of being a famous sports personality.

"Obviously maybe it's a little bit of a distraction, there's no doubt about it," said Federer, "But you have to be aware of what's happening around you. But that is the case anyway anywhere I go today with my fame and all that stuff."

Federer practiced today with Jarko Nieminen under the watchful eye of several bodyguards and on-court security. After getting a first round bye, Federer will play his second round against the winner of the Yen-Hsun Lu and Ze Zhang match.