I think you would agree if I say that Roger Federer needs no introduction. He is a tennis legend who etched History again and again in his 24-year sports career. But you would think that it is a given that people across the world would know who the 20-time Grand Slam champion is. But no. That’s not the case.
Even a security person at Wimbledon didn’t know who he was, and Federer is an 8-time Wimbledon Champion.
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According to ATP Tour, Roger Federer recently made an appearance on The Daily Show hosted by Trevor Noah. He revealed that two weeks ago, he was in London and had two hours before his next flight. So he decided to give All England Lawn Tennis & Croquet Club, Wimbledon, a visit.
But he did not have his membership card. Because, well, he didn’t know until then that he would need one!
“I have not really been at Wimbledon when the tournament is not on, so I drive up to the gate, where usually guests come in, where you would arrive and then you go up. I get out and tell my coach who was with me at the time, Severin, I tell him I’ll quickly go out and speak to the security lady, I got this. I did not. So then I get out and I’m like, ‘Yes, hello, I was just wondering how I can get into Wimbledon. Where is the door? Where is the gate?’ She (says), ‘Do you have a membership card?’ I’m like, ‘Uh, we have one?’,” he said.
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Federer told the security person that previously when he used to play at championships, he used to get inside the stadium through a different door. But now that there is no tournament going on, he doesn’t know which way to enter.
“I tell her normally when I’m here I’m playing and there’s loads of people and I come in a different way and it’s the first time I’m here while the tournament’s not on and I don’t know where to get in so, ‘I’m just asking you again, where can I get in? She’s like, ‘Well at the side, but you have to be a member.’ So I look at her one last time and I’m in a panic now. I’m so sorry, I still can’t believe I said that, I still feel bad about it, and I look at her and I was like, ‘I have won this tournament eight times. Please believe me, I am a member and where do I get in?”
After he couldn’t convince her to let him in, he got back into his car and then pulled around the side. However, a fan spotted Federer and shouted his name. He ran towards him and asked for a selfie. Then the security guards realised who he was.
The security guards said, “Oh my God Mr. Federer, what are you doing here? Do you have your membership card?”
Federer said, “No I don’t, but is it possible to get in?”
The guard finally said, “Of course we’ll open the door, let me organise it.”
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Have a look at his interview here:
That time Wimbledon security wouldn’t let @rogerfederer in 😂 pic.twitter.com/mcREy62E13
— The Daily Show (@TheDailyShow) December 8, 2022
This is probably the last thing Federer could ever imagine happening to him!