Five-time Wimbledon champion Roger Federer laughed when he was refused entry to the All England Club by an overzealous security guard who didn’t recognize him.
The Swiss superstar thought his eight victories would secure him visiting entry last month, but was stymied by the prestigious tennis facility’s ‘no card, no entry’ policy.
In this composite image, Roger Federer displays the trophy for each of his eight Wimbledon singles titles
/ Getty ImagesHe told Trever Noah on The Daily Show: “When you win Wimbledon you automatically become a member. And honestly, I don’t know about membership cards, they’re probably somewhere in my house and I’ve just traveled, so I had no idea.
“I’m like, ‘No, I don’t have my membership card, but I’m a member. I’m just wondering where I can get in.”
“There are (usually) a lot of people and I come in a different way. And this is my first time here when the tournament is not running and I don’t know where to enter, so I ask you again where can I enter.
Federer said he was told: “On the other side, but you have to be a member. »
“So I look at her one last time and I’m freaking out now – and I still can’t believe I said that because I still feel bad about it – but I look at her and I’m like, ‘I’ve won this tournament eight times. Please, trust me i am a member where can i join?
The 41-year-old, who decided to visit her during a trip to London, finally walked through another door after snapping a selfie with a fan and another security guard recognized him.
He laughed, “I thought about going to the other side and nodding where I was, but I didn’t. »
The 20-time Grand Slam champion played his last match at September’s Laver Cup, in London, the city of some of Federer’s greatest triumphs.
The Laver Cup 2022: Roger Federer’s farewell
Federer enjoyed a warm hug with fellow doubles foe Rafael Nadal, who was also later in tears, at the end of the match which they somehow managed to lose.
“One way or another we’re going to make it,” Federer told the sold-out crowd. “Listen, it was a wonderful day. I told the guys I’m happy, not sad. It’s good to be here and I enjoyed tying my shoes again.
“Everything was the last time. Quite fun with all the games, being with the boys and having family and friends, I didn’t feel the stress that much even though I felt like something was going to happen while playing. I’m so glad I did and the game was amazing. I couldn’t be happier.
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