Wimbledon respond to Roger Federer story about being denied SW19 entry

Roger Federer: The fans are the centre of everything

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Wimbledon have responded to Roger Federer’s remarkable story about hilariously being denied entry into the SW19 grounds last month. Despite his status as an eight-time champion at the All England Club, one security guard refused to let him pass the entry gates without his membership card.

In an interview earlier this week, Federer recalled trying to kill some time after a doctor’s appointment in London by going to Wimbledon for the first time outside of the tournament for some tea.

However, a security lady didn’t recognise the 20-time Grand Slam king, turning him away because he couldn’t find his membership card, automatically earned by winning The Championships.

He told The Daily Show: “I’ve not been there [Wimbledon] before when the tournament is not on, so I drive up to the gate, I go and speak to the security lady and say, ‘Hello, I’m just wondering how I can get into Wimbledon’, and she asked about a membership card. When you win Wimbledon, you become a member automatically.

“I had no idea where mine was, so I said no [I don’t have one on me], but she insisted that I had to be a member. I told her I am a member and normally, when I’m here, I’m playing. She tells me the same thing, so I look at her one last time and tell her, ‘I have won this tournament eight times. Please believe me; I am a member!'”

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Federer eventually found his way in after trying another gate and being asked for a selfie by another member of security. And Wimbledon have insisted the Swiss icon is welcome at SW19 whenever he fancies.

In response to a clip from Federer’s appearance on The Daily Show, Wimbledon’s Twitter account posted: “You’re welcome any time, @rogerfederer [sweating grin emoji].”

Whether the security guard failed to recognise Federer or was strictly following protocol remains to be seen. But it has made for a comical story that has gone down well with Federer and tennis fans in general.

Federer retired earlier this year, calling time on his legendary career in which most of his success came on the hallowed grass turf at Wimbledon.

While he will never compete in the Slam again, the 41-year-old will undoubtedly always be treated like a god whenever he visits the grounds – if he’s let in, of course…

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