Tennis great Roger Federer refused entry by Wimbledon Club security guard

Colombo (News 1st) – Eight-times champion Roger Federer has won more Wimbledon men’s singles titles than any other tennis great since the open era began in 1968.

But that doesn’t mean he can stroll into the Wimbledon Club.

Federer was in London recently with a couple of hours to kill before his flight out, and decided to go for a cuppa at Wimbledon, together with his coach.

So up they drove to the gate of the club, where they were halted by a lady security guard who sternly asked Federer for his membership card, the retired Swiss player told Trevor Noah on The Daily Show on Wednesday (8th).

“So then I get out and I’m like, ‘Yes, hello, I was just wondering how I can get into Wimbledon? Where is the door? Where is the gate?’” Federer said laughingly. “She asked: ‘Do you have a membership card?’ I’m like, ‘Uh, we have one?’

Wimbledon champions automatically receive lifetime membership at the prestigious club. Unfortunately, Federer, who has won 103 singles titles, had never been to Wimbledon except for tournaments and he had no idea where his membership card was. Plus he had not informed the club that he was coming.

Federer added: “I tell her, 'Normally when I’m here and playing, and there’s loads of people, and I come in a different way, and it’s the first time I’m here while the tournament is not on, and I don’t know where to get in. So I’m just asking you again, where can I get in?'”

“She’s like: ‘Well, at the side. But you have to be a member.’” Federer said.

“So I look at her one last time, and I’m in a panic now… I was like ‘I have won this tournament eight times. Please believe me, I am a member. Where do I get in?'”, he laughed. But the conscientious security guard would not budge.

Fortunately, as they were driving away, a fan spotted him and excitedly asked for a selfie with him, which he of course obliged. Other security guards then realized who he was and ushered him into the grounds where he was met by the club’s chairman.

And finally, Roger got his cuppa.

Wimbledon later Tweeted: “You’re welcome any time, @RogerFederer ?.”

(Picture courtesy The Daily Show / Wimbledon.)