Perhaps the most adored and well-known athlete in the world, Roger Federer is an eight-time Wimbledon champion. The Swiss decided to visit the All England Club while he was in London two weeks ago, but that did not get him a pass through the security gates.
The 41-year-old Swiss superstar discussed the hilarious anecdote when he appeared on The Daily Show with Trevor Noah on Wednesday. He left his fans and rivals in tears when he announced his retirement from the sport in September.
Federer revealed that eventually a first security guard did not allow him in, saying that he had to be a member.
“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. 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.’ 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 20-time Grand Slam champion from Switzerland acknowledged that he attempted to enter through a different gate, but the security guard recognized him and let him in.
“The security guard standing there says, ‘Oh my god, Mr. Federer what are you doing here? Do you have your membership card? I said I don’t, but the security guard let me in and organized it all. And I thought of going over to the other side and giving the other security guard a wave, but I didn’t do it.”
