
Roger Federer, who is widely regarded as the best tennis player of all time, announced his retirement from the game earlier this year. The 20-time Grand Slam victor played his final match at the Laver Cup earlier this year in a doubles match with longtime friend and rival Rafael Nadal against duo Frances Tiafoe and Jack Sock, a match which the iconic pair lost. However, the game was much more than just for win or loss, so the losing didn’t actually matter.
Earlier this year, when appearing on a chat programme, Federer told an amusing story. The host questioned Federer about the rumour that he was turned away from Wimbledon during the broadcast. Of all the players that competed at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club (ALTEC), Federer won the most titles with eight.
The Swiss maestro said he travelled to London to meet a doctor following an event in Tokyo, Japan, and that he chose to stop by the ALTEC as he had two hours. He continued by saying that despite his repeated attempts, a security guard refused to let him inside without a membership card. “When you win Wimbledon, you become a member automatically. So, I’m like, “No, I don’t have my membership card but I am a member and I’m just wondering where I can get in,” and she said, “Yeah, but you have to be a member.” I was like, “I’m just asking you again where can I get in”, and she said, “The other side, but you have to be a member,” told Federer on The Daily Show with Trevor Noah. He further said, “I have won this tournament eight times. Please believe me, I am a member!”
Federer went on to say that after having to drive to a different gate, a security guard eventually recognised him, took his picture, and set up a meeting with the ALTEC chairman.
Meanwhile, as the interview went viral, the Wimbledon Championships replied back with a caption that Federer is ‘welcome any time.
You're welcome any time, @rogerfederer 😅
🎥 @TheDailyShow pic.twitter.com/3XKRS7C6nd
— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) December 9, 2022