“I was on standby,” Roger Federer explains his absence from Andy Murray’s retirement ceremony at Wimbledon

The legendary Roger Federer was part of Wimbledon's tribute video for Andy Murray's career.

“I was on standby,” Roger Federer explains his absence from Andy Murray’s retirement ceremony at Wimbledon

Roger Federer (in circle) and Andy Murray (via Imago)

20-time Grand Slam champion Roger Federer explained his absence from Andy Murray‘s men’s doubles match on Thursday. The Swiss Maestro appeared at Wimbledon shortly before the Scottish legend’s match, where he also met Caroline Wozniacki before her match.

However, Federer wasn’t present in the stands to watch Murray playing with his brother Jamie Murray in the men’s doubles first round. The British brothers lost their first round 7-6, 6-4 against John Peers and Rinky Hijikata. Talking to ESPN, Federer explained his decision not to be present on the historic occasion.

YouTube video
I wish I could’ve been there last night, but I already had obligations because I didn’t know how it was gonna all play out. I actually took an earlier flight on Tuesday to be here in case he played his singles. As I boarded the flight, I learned Andy wasn’t playing singles. I was like ‘Oh my God.’ I was on standby. Sadly last night I couldn’t be there. I quickly went to see him before the match. I could see Andy was extremely nervous and caring for that very moment.
Roger Federer said in an interview with ESPN

Federer has been a regular visitor at Wimbledon ever since he played his last match at his favorite event against Hubert Hurkacz in 2021. In 2022, he was alongside Murray in the ceremony organized to celebrate 100 years of Wimbledon Centre Court.

FS Video

Last year, he was presented in the Royal Box for the first time as a retired tennis player. He was watching Murray beat Ryan Peniston. The Scotsman was also present at Federer’s retirement tournament at the 2022 Laver Cup. The duo teamed up with Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal for Team Europe.

Andy Murray’s Wimbledon farewell begins with men’s doubles loss with brother Jamie Murray

Former World No.1 Andy Murray expressed gratitude to Wimbledon organizers for a heartfelt farewell ceremony following his appearance alongside his older brother Jamie in the men’s doubles, which ended in defeat. The two-time singles champion, who will retire later this year, was visibly moved by a video montage of his career shown on Centre Court.

Andy Murray Jamie Murray Wimbledon
Andy Murray Jamie Murray Wimbledon (via Imago)

Arriving to a standing ovation on a packed Centre Court, the Murray brothers faced an emotional moment, followed by another round of applause despite their 7-6 (8-6), 6-4 loss to Australian pair John Peers and Rinky Hijikata. Murray’s family, including parents Judy and Will, his wife Kim, and two daughters, watched alongside former BBC presenter Sue Barker, who conducted a poignant ceremony soon after the match.

In his speech, Murray thanked his family, his long-time team members, and the fans for their unwavering support throughout his career. Among those paying tribute were fellow Grand Slam champions like Novak Djokovic, Martina Navratilova, and John McEnroe, alongside British tennis figures Tim Henman, Dan Evans, Jack Draper, and Cameron Norrie.

Despite this farewell, Murray is scheduled to compete later in the week, teaming up in mixed doubles with fellow British Grand Slam champion Emma Raducanu.

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