“I have won this tournament eight times please believe me,” Roger Federer narrates how he was denied to enter Wimbledon for not having his membership card on him
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Roger Federer
Roger Federer is one of the most iconic names, not only in the world of tennis but in sports across the globe. There’s hardly a person who won’t recognize the 20-time Grand Slam champion who revolutionized the sport in the early 2000s and retired as one of the greatest players ever to pick up the tennis racket.
As big are his sporting achievements, his off-court work and philanthropy are equally great. The Swiss maestro might not have the numbers to compete with Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal as the two have now overtaken him in the race for most Grand Slam titles, but many tennis experts believe the impact Federer had during his 24-year-long career makes him a worthy candidate in the GOAT debate.
Federer recently made an appearance on The Daily Show hosted by Trevor Noah. Dressed in a black turtle neck and a black coat, he was at his absolute best once again in dressing as well as his interview skills. While the duo discussed a variety of things, Federer narrated how he was recently denied entry into the All-England Club at Wimbledon by security.
“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. So I got out to tell my coach, who was with me, Severin, I quickly go out and speak to the security lady. You know, I got this (smirks). I did not (chuckles). So then I get out and I’m like, “Yes hello, just was wondering how I can get into Wimbledon. Where is the “door”, the “gate”?
“And she’s like, “Do you have your membership card?” I’m like “We have one?” Because when you win Wimbledon, you become a member automatically. I honestly don’t know about membership cards. They’re probably at home somewhere. I’ve just been traveling and I have no idea. 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.”
“So I’m like, OK, this is going to be difficult here, this one. So I’m like, “I’m a member and normal when I’m here, I’m playing. There are loads of people and I come in a different way. Now it’s the first time that I am not here while the tournament is not on. So I’m just asking you again where can I get in and she said, “The other side, but you have to be a member,” narrated Federer.
Roger Federer admitted for a split second he forgot how many Wimbledon titles had he won during the conversation with the security lady
Federer, despite becoming the richest tennis player once again this year, had to indeed go to the other gate hoping that he would finally get an entry. He was lucky and it was indeed his fame that got him in as the former World No. 1 went on to narrate the second part of the story.
“So I look at her one last time and I’m in a panic now. I’m so sorry, I couldn’t believe and still can’t believe I said this because I still feel bad about it. I’d look at her and say, “I have won this tournament eight times. Please believe me, I am a member! Where do I get in?” Federer then returned to the car and was asked by Severin Luthi “Where do we get in?” to which Federer replied, “Don’t talk.”
The former World No. 1 then had to go to the other side where he was finally recognised as ‘The Roger Federer’. “I get out of the car and a random person walks on the walkway and says, “Mr. Federer! My God, you’re here at Wimbledon, can we take a selfie?” I’m like (laughing) “Yes, let’s!”
“The security guards there they’re like, “Oh my God Mr. Federer what are you doing here? Do you have your membership card? I’m like “I don’t but is it possible to get in?” They replied “Of course, we will open the door, let me organize it.” And I walk in and the chairman was there with everybody and I was having tea for over an hour. I thought of going over to the other side and giving a wave that I was in, but I didn’t do it.
“When I said I won Wimbledon eight times, for a split second, I wasn’t sure if it was eight anymore because I thought it ‘was it seven, was it eight? I don’t know’. But I said it because I never talk like this,” added Federer completing his story not before appreciating the security lady for doing her job perfectly and as per the guidelines.
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Sarthak Shitole
(3462 Articles Published)