This archive report was first published on 14 January 2020.
On January 13, 2020, tennis star Roger Federer faced criticism from climate campaigners, including Greta Thunberg, over his sponsorship deal with Credit Suisse. In response, Federer announced he would donate to the Australia bushfires appeal.
"If anyone can chip in, that's great because it's nice to show solidarity and help in a situation, which has become quite incredible in this country," Federer said, joining other tennis players in pledging funds.
As of January 12, 2020, tennis players had donated $500,000 to the bushfire appeal, with Serena Williams contributing her $43,000 winner's cheque from the Auckland Classic.
Climate activists, however, urged Federer to take a stronger stance against Credit Suisse, which they accused of funding "climate chaos" around the world. The activists, supported by Lausanne Climate Action, had already protested against Federer's sponsorship deal in 2018.
On January 13, 2020, a group of activists who played tennis inside a Credit Suisse branch in 2018 were acquitted on appeal in the Swiss town of Renens. The activists had initially been fined 21,000 Swiss francs (approximately $21,600) for their protest.
