Why Roger Federer was sitting by himself in the Royal Box at Wimbledon
A picture of Roger Federer sitting all alone in Wimbledon’s Royal Box went viral earlier this week, and it’s easy to see why. Wimbledon is getting to an exciting finish! Alexander Zverev made it to Sunday’s final after a strong win over British favorite Arthur Fery on Friday afternoon.
Right after that, world No.1 and top pick Jannik Sinner joined him by beating the legendary Novak Djokovic in straight sets, stopping Djokovic from making even more history. Djokovic was trying to match Federer’s record of eight Wimbledon titles. Federer, a 20-time Grand Slam winner, has been at most of the matches this week, enjoying the thrilling games and catching people’s attention.
On Monday, Federer was in the Royal Box alongside Formula One driver Kimi Antonelli. He watched all four matches that day and even stayed late for Zverev’s match against Jiri Lehecka. The match started at 8:30 p.m., and while most people in the Royal Box left early, Federer stayed until 11 p.m., when the match paused with Zverev ahead.
The famous image of Federer sitting there alone made him even more beloved by fans. After the photo spread around, Federer told journalist Jon Wertheim why he didn’t leave Centre Court. On the Served with Andy Roddick podcast, Wertheim shared Federer’s story:
“Fans had been up and moving around during the match – going to the restroom, grabbing sandwiches and tea. Federer said he remembered how it feels when the next players come out and the Royal Box is empty and awkward. He wanted to be there.”
Because the match was running late, the club sent one member to keep Federer company, but he said, “I get it, I know what’s going on, we’re good.” And that’s how we got the great picture of Roger Federer, sitting all alone in the Royal Box.
Federer’s kindness and humility is why fans love him so much, and they’ll be happy his record of eight Wimbledon titles is safe for now. Djokovic was trying to match it while aiming to be the oldest Grand Slam winner in the Open era. But after losing to Sinner, it looks like that’s unlikely.
Djokovic will turn 40 next year, so time is running short to catch Federer’s Wimbledon record. Still, Djokovic has already broken Federer’s record for most Wimbledon match wins, and his 24 Grand Slam titles are tough to beat.