Roger Federer managed to hold back the tears as he was given a long standing ovation on his first Wimbledon appearance since announcing his retirement from tennis last year. Before play got underway on Centre Court, a short video montage was played to honour Federer’s achievements at Wimbledon.
The eight-time Wimbledon champion had his wife, Mirka, as well as parents Robbie and Lynette Federer and agent Tony Godsick sitting in the royal box. But Federer’s seat was left empty alongside Kate Middleton before the tennis icon was brought out to rapturous applause from the Wimbledon crowd.
The Centre Court patrons were out of their seats applauding Federer for several minutes as the Swiss icon took in the moment. Federer made a brief return to Wimbledon last year as the tournament celebrated the centenary of Centre Court.
It was his first appearance back on the court after a disappointing exit in the 2021 Championships, where he was bageled by Hubert Hurkacz in the final set. The Swiss tennis maestro said 12 months ago that he was hoping to return and play on Centre Court at least one more time while he was still rehabbing from another knee operation.
But just months after declaring his wish to continue, Federer announced he would no longer be able to carry on playing. Aptly, his official retirement did come in London at last year’s Laver Cup, but Wimbledon has been the tournament most synonymous with Federer’s career.
Ever since leaving his playing career behind, Federer has been asked about returning to Wimbledon and he admitted in the build up that he would be here for a few days. The British slam then confirmed a short ceremony would take place to honour Federer on the second day of the tournament.
Royalty was all around with the Princess of Wales in the Royal Box but Federer took centre stage at Wimbledon once again. However, there was no speech or interview with Federer on the court with attention soon turning to Elena Rybakina’s match.
Federer took to his seat after the long ovation and was soon taking in the match seated between his wife and Princess Kate. For Rybakina, it was her first match since pulling out of Eastbourne as she admitted to still suffering from the illness she picked up in Paris.
She also lost surprisingly in the second round of the Grass Court Championships Berlin during her only warm-up event on grass ahead of Wimbledon.
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