Roger Federer, the renowned tennis player, was greeted with a thunderous standing ovation as he made his way to the Royal Box at Centre Court on Tuesday. The spectators, including Princess Kate, showed their admiration for Federer during a brief ceremony that celebrated his career and his remarkable eight singles championships at Wimbledon. Dressed in a cream-colored suit adorned with the purple All England Club member’s pin, Federer stood between his wife, Mirka, and the Princess of Wales in the special section overlooking one of the baselines in the tournament’s main stadium. Expressing his gratitude, Federer waved and tapped his chest, repeatedly saying, “Thank you,” as the applause echoed under the closed retractable roof on a rainy Day 2 of the grass-court event.
Before the matches commenced at Centre Court, an announcer took a moment to acknowledge Federer’s contributions to tennis, particularly to the prestigious Wimbledon lawns. The Swiss player, who will turn 42 on August 8, called time on his illustrious career at the end of last year, following a series of knee surgeries. His final match took place during the quarterfinals at the All England Club in 2021, where he suffered a loss to Hubert Hurkacz.
The ceremony on Tuesday included a captivating video montage showcasing Federer’s memorable moments at Wimbledon. It featured clips of him playing, winning, and speaking at the tournament, where he claimed his first Grand Slam title in 2003. This triumph marked the beginning of an unprecedented streak of five consecutive victories, extending through 2007. Federer further solidified his dominance at Wimbledon with additional championships in 2009, 2012, and 2017.
Federer’s Legacy Lives On
While Federer’s remarkable career has come to an end, his impact on the sport continues to reverberate. Novak Djokovic, who triumphed in his first-round match on Monday, aims to match Federer’s record this year by clinching a fifth consecutive Wimbledon title and his eighth overall. However, it is Martina Navratilova who holds the ultimate record at the tournament, with an astounding nine women’s singles titles.
In a poignant moment during the video tribute, a younger Federer expressed his anticipation for retirement, highlighting the enduring significance of the tournament. “When I stop, the tournament still lives on. The tournament is bigger than any player who’s ever lived,” he said in an interview. Federer eagerly awaits the day when he can return to Wimbledon and simply enjoy the serene atmosphere, savoring tea time on the terrace.
Throughout the video, various players shared their admiration for Federer. Ons Jabeur, the 2022 Wimbledon runner-up, hailed him as a legend and praised his seemingly effortless shots. Alex De Minaur marveled at Federer’s masterful elegance on the court, while Taylor Fritz found inspiration in his remarkable career. Coco Gauff referred to him as an icon, and the current women’s No. 1, Iga Swiatek, acknowledged Federer as a truly special player.
As Federer basks in the glory of his well-deserved tribute at Wimbledon, his legacy remains indelible. His extraordinary achievements and contribution to the sport will be forever etched in the annals of tennis history.
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