Roger Federer re-lives the hilarious moment he was BARRED from entering Wimbledon just two weeks ago – despite winning the tournament eight times
- Retired tennis great Roger Federer, 41, was recently snubbed from Wimbledon
- He didn’t have his membership card, security didn’t recognise eight-time winner
- Federer unsuccessfully pleaded his case, eventually was let in by someone else
- Swiss maestro recalled the tale to close friend Trevor Noah on The Daily Show
Tennis icon Roger Federer has recalled the hilarious moment he was stopped from entering Wimbledon despite being world famous for his exploits on the club’s centre court.
An eight-time men’s singles winner at the All England Club, the 41-year-old was in London a fortnight ago for a doctor’s appointment.
He decided to have a meal at the famous sporting arena – and that’s where the trouble started.
Recalling his epic tale to host Trevor Noah on The Daily Show, Federer revealed he was snubbed because he wasn’t carrying a membership card.
‘I drive up to the gate where usually guests would come in. So I get out and I tell my coach who was with me, “I’ll quickly go out and speak to the security lady. I got this”,’ he recalled.
Tennis icon Roger Federer has recalled the hilarious moment he was recently barred from entering Wimbledon
‘So then I get out and I’m like, “Hello, I was wondering how I could get into Wimbledon?” She asked if I had a membership card.
‘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 told her, “No, I don’t have my membership card, but I am a member. I’m just wondering where I can get in”.’
His plea fell on deaf ears, with a bemused Federer left to keep pleading his case.
‘I’m like, “No, I am a member and normally when I’m here, I’m playing. And now it’s the first time the tournament is not on and I’m here”.
Even the fact Federer is an eight-time winner at the All England Club wasn’t enough to get him through the gates (pictured, with the 2009 trophy)
Federer required his membership card to get in – and given he wasn’t carrying it, the security guard – who didn’t recognise him – wouldn’t budge
‘I look at her in a panic one last time, and say, “I’m so sorry but I have won this tournament eight times, please, believe me, I am a member”.’
The Swiss maestro then tried his luck at another gate with another security guard – and was recognised and allowed to enter.
Federer then enjoyed tea with the Wimbledon chairman for an hour before boarding a flight home.
A 20-time Grand Slam winner, he announced his retirement from the sport earlier this year.