Thought Roger Federer was alone at Wimbledon? His cheeky reply says otherwise
Roger Federer's appearance in Wimbledon's Royal Box during the Championships sparked widespread discussion, with the image of the Swiss legend quickly going viral on social media. Former world No.1 Andy Roddick has now opened up about the moment.
Roger Federer’s return to Wimbledon this year created plenty of buzz, but one image from Centre Court captured the imagination of tennis fans around the world. The eight-time Wimbledon champion was spotted sitting alone in the Royal Box during the latter stages of play, long after most of the celebrities and guests had left. The sight of Federer quietly soaking in the action soon went viral on social media.
Former world No.1 Andy Roddick has now shed light on the moment, revealing that Roger Federer had a cheeky response when asked about his viral appearance at Wimbledon.
Speaking on the Served podcast, Roddick recounted an exchange with his longtime rival and friend. “I sent him a text and asked, ‘What’s going on?’ He was like, ‘Oh, you know, just watching the tennis and hanging out with all my friends’. There’s no one around him. It was great,” Roddick said.
Federer, who retired from professional tennis in 2022, was present at the All England Club during the tournament’s second week. The 44-year-old remained in the Royal Box even as the action stretched late into the evening, watching Alexander Zverev’s fourth-round clash against Jiri Lehecka after Arthur Fery’s marathon victory over Grigor Dimitrov. Play was eventually suspended because of Wimbledon’s 11 p.m. curfew.
ROGER FEDERER’S ENDURING BOND WITH WIMBLEDON
Few players share a relationship with Wimbledon quite like Federer. The Swiss maestro won a record eight men’s singles titles at the grass-court major and collected 20 Grand Slam crowns during his glittering career. His achievements at SW19 remain unmatched in the men’s game, although Novak Djokovic recently broke Federer’s record of 105 Wimbledon match victories.
Federer’s solitary appearance in the Royal Box drew widespread admiration from fans and pundits alike. Many praised the former world No.1 for staying back to watch the matches instead of leaving after the headline attractions had ended. Social media users described the gesture as a reflection of Federer’s enduring love for the sport and his respect for the players competing on Centre Court.
The image also offered a reminder that, despite stepping away from competition nearly four years ago, Federer remains deeply connected to Wimbledon. For Roddick, who lost three Wimbledon finals to the Swiss star, the scene came as no surprise.
The American has often spoken about Federer’s passion for tennis beyond the trophies and records. This time, however, it was a simple picture, Federer sitting alone in the Royal Box, watching the game he once ruled, that resonated with fans across the world.
Roger Federer’s return to Wimbledon this year created plenty of buzz, but one image from Centre Court captured the imagination of tennis fans around the world. The eight-time Wimbledon champion was spotted sitting alone in the Royal Box during the latter stages of play, long after most of the celebrities and guests had left. The sight of Federer quietly soaking in the action soon went viral on social media.
Former world No.1 Andy Roddick has now shed light on the moment, revealing that Roger Federer had a cheeky response when asked about his viral appearance at Wimbledon.
Speaking on the Served podcast, Roddick recounted an exchange with his longtime rival and friend. “I sent him a text and asked, ‘What’s going on?’ He was like, ‘Oh, you know, just watching the tennis and hanging out with all my friends’. There’s no one around him. It was great,” Roddick said.
Federer, who retired from professional tennis in 2022, was present at the All England Club during the tournament’s second week. The 44-year-old remained in the Royal Box even as the action stretched late into the evening, watching Alexander Zverev’s fourth-round clash against Jiri Lehecka after Arthur Fery’s marathon victory over Grigor Dimitrov. Play was eventually suspended because of Wimbledon’s 11 p.m. curfew.
ROGER FEDERER’S ENDURING BOND WITH WIMBLEDON
Few players share a relationship with Wimbledon quite like Federer. The Swiss maestro won a record eight men’s singles titles at the grass-court major and collected 20 Grand Slam crowns during his glittering career. His achievements at SW19 remain unmatched in the men’s game, although Novak Djokovic recently broke Federer’s record of 105 Wimbledon match victories.
Federer’s solitary appearance in the Royal Box drew widespread admiration from fans and pundits alike. Many praised the former world No.1 for staying back to watch the matches instead of leaving after the headline attractions had ended. Social media users described the gesture as a reflection of Federer’s enduring love for the sport and his respect for the players competing on Centre Court.
The image also offered a reminder that, despite stepping away from competition nearly four years ago, Federer remains deeply connected to Wimbledon. For Roddick, who lost three Wimbledon finals to the Swiss star, the scene came as no surprise.
The American has often spoken about Federer’s passion for tennis beyond the trophies and records. This time, however, it was a simple picture, Federer sitting alone in the Royal Box, watching the game he once ruled, that resonated with fans across the world.
