Being Roger Federer means you get to enjoy success, fame and the like. But interestingly, despite being remembered as a tennis legend, getting access to Wimbledon is not one of them. The recently retired tennis legend disclosed a funny incident during his guest appearance on The Daily Show hosted by Trevor Noah. The tennis maestro narrated an incident when he was denied entry to the Wimbledon.
Despite clinching the major tournament for a record number of staggering eight times throughout his illustrious career, the 20-time Grand Slam winner revealed that he was at first refused admittance at the entrance gate. “It was actually two weeks ago,” the 41-year-old said, describing that he had a few hours to kill time in London after a doctor's appointment in the city.
"I have not really been at Wimbledon when the tournament is not on. So I drive up to the gate, where, usually, guests come in, where you would arrive and then you go up. So i get out to tell my coach who was with me at the time, Severin, I'll quickly go out and speak to the security lady. You know, I got this."
He suggested his staff that they should pop by for a cup of tea, confessing that he had not informed the organisers of his arrival beforehand and also that he had never been to Wimbledon if there is no major tournament on. He was stopped the moment he tried to step foot into the prestigious venue by the security guard as he did not have his membership card with him.
"So then I get out and I'm like, 'Yes hello, just was wondering how I can get into Wimbledon. You know where is the door? Where is the gate?
"And she says 'yeah do you have a membership card?' I'm like 'we have one?'"
"Because when you win Wimbledon you become a member automatically. Honestly, I don't know about membership cards. They're probably at home somewhere. And I had just been travelling. So, I had no idea. So, I'm like 'no I don't have my membership card. But i'm a member. I'm just wondering where I can get in.'"
"And she's 'yeah, but you have to be a member.'"
"I'm like OK, this is going to be difficult here, this one. So I'm like 'I'm a member, and normally when I'm here, I'm playing. And there's loads of people and I come in a different way. And this is 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 'well, at the side. But you have to be a member.' So I look at her one last time, and I'm in a panic now. I still can't believe I said that because I still feel bad about it. And I looked at her and said ' I have won this tournament eight times. Please, believe me. I'm a member. And where do I get in?' said Federer.
