Roger Federer turns down Saudi event invite

Roger Federer turned down an invite to play in an exhibition event in Saudi Arabia in December which Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal have committed to play in.

World No.3 Roger Federer says has turned down the offer to play in a Saudi tennis event. Source: AAP

Roger Federer said he turned down an invitation to play in a planned exhibition match in Saudi Arabia in December which his rivals Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal have committed to play in.

Saudi Arabia is under growing pressure from the international community following the killing of Saudi writer Jamal Khashoggi after he entered Saudi Arabia's consulate in Istanbul on October 2.

Amnesty International has urged Nadal and Djokovic not to play in the event and both players said on Monday they intend to monitor the situation before making a decision.

Both players have said the invitations were made at least a year ago.

Asked in Paris on Tuesday if he was also previously invited, Federer said: "They contacted me too, yeah."

The Swiss star was then asked why he turned it down.

"I didn't want to play there at that time," the 20-time Grand Slam champion said.

"So, for me, it was a very quick decision."

Amnesty International has asked Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal, not attend the event. Source: AAP