When Roger Federer entered the Royal Box on Wimbledon’s legendary Center Court shortly after half past one local time, cheers erupted for several minutes. Under the roof, which was closed due to the typical English rain, it was almost as loud as if the 41-year-old Swiss had just won what is probably the most important tennis tournament in the world for the ninth time.
Federer was only there as a visitor and watched the game of defending champion Jelena Rybakina from Kazakhstan against the American Shelby Rogers from the stands.
While Federer made his big appearance, Olympic champion Alexander Zverev had to wait in vain for his first appearance in Wimbledon. Due to constant rain, the opening game of the German number one against the Dutch qualifier Gijs Brouwer was postponed to Wednesday. The matches of last year’s semi-finalist Tatjana Maria against the Romanian Sorana Cirstea, Jule Niemeier against French Open finalist Karolina Muchova from the Czech Republic and Tamara Korpatsch against the Canadian Carol Shao could not take place due to the bad weather.
Djokovic could draw level with Federer
“Today we honor one of the greatest in our sport,” said stadium announcer Federer. In a cream-colored suit, the longtime number one in the world took a seat in the front row between Duchess Kate and his wife Mirka. Visibly touched, the Swiss accepted the ovations of around 15,000 spectators.
Federer has won the Wimbledon title eight times, the first time he triumphed 20 years ago at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club. “Wimbledon was always a very special place for me,” Federer said recently in Halle, Westphalia. Federer is still the record winner on Church Road today, even if Novak Djokovic can catch up with him this year.
First Wimbledon victory for Federer like a fairy tale
In an interview with the British broadcaster BBC, Federer said his first victory in 2003 was like a fairy tale. “People have said that I’m just a talent, but with little substance,” recalled the winner of 20 Grand Slam tournaments. “When I did it, I fell to my knees. It was incredibly special to hold the trophy in my hands for the first time.”
Federer last won the title six years ago. He ended his career last year due to a knee injury. His last sporting wish, to be able to play in Wimbledon again, was no longer fulfilled. “I hope I can come back again,” Federer said last year during the 100-year Center Court ceremony.
Again and again problems with knee injuries
But the pain in his knee was too great, so Federer ended his impressive career last fall at the Laver Cup in London. The picture of Federer sitting on the players’ bench crying next to Rafael Nadal, who was also crying, was one of the most impressive sports photos of the past year.
The step into retirement was not particularly difficult for him, said Federer, who was repeatedly thrown back by knee injuries towards the end of his career. He had to have an operation on his knee three times, and even today his body is not completely restored. “Of course you might like to experience that again, but as long as you know that the body can’t do it at this level, you don’t feel the need to be out on the pitch,” said Federer, who is currently self-employed wouldn’t feel ready for a show fight. But even in the spectator role, Federer is celebrated more than many an active player.
