Eight-time Wimbledon champion Roger Federer has laughed about the moment he was denied entrance to the All England Club by an over-zealous security guard who failed to recognise him.
The Swiss superstar believed his eight wins would allow him to get entry to visit last month but he was thwarted by the prestigious tennis venue’s “no card, no entry” policy.
He told Trever Noah on The Daily Show said: “When you win Wimbledon, you become a member automatically. And honestly, I don’t know about membership cards, they are probably at home somewhere and I’ve just been travelling, so I had no idea.
“I’m like, ‘No, I don’t have my membership card, but I am a member. I’m just wondering where I can get in’.”
“There’s (usually) loads of people, and I come in a different way. And this is 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 I can get in.”
Federer claimed he was told: “Other side, but you have to be a member.”
“So I look at her one last time and I’m in a panic now - and I still can’t believe I said this because I still feel bad about this - but I look at her and say, ‘I’ve won this tournament eight times. Please believe me, I am a member. Where do I get in?’”
The 41-year-old, who decided to visit while on a trip to London, finally got through a different gate after taking a selfie with a fan and another security guard recognised him.
He laughed: “I thought about going over to the other side and giving a wave that I was in, but I didn’t do it.”
The 20-time grand-slam champion played his final match during September’s Laver Cup, in London, the city of some of Federer’s greatest triumphs.
“We’ll get through this somehow,” Federer told the sold-out crowd. “Look, it has been a wonderful day. I told the guys I’m happy, I’m not sad. It feels great to be here and I enjoyed tying my shoes one more time.
“Everything was the last time. Funny enough with all the matches, being with the guys and having family and friends, I didn’t feel the stress so much even if I felt something would go during the match. I am so glad I made it through and the match was great. I couldn’t be happier.”
