Roger Federer, a 20-time Grand Slam champion, made a grand return to Wimbledon’s Centre Court on Tuesday, where he won a record 8 trophies throughout his remarkable career. Since making his retirement announcement at the O2 Arena in London last September at the Laver Cup, it was Federer’s first visit back to one of his favourite venues.
Federer sat in the royal box of the Centre Court with his spouse, Mirka, parents Robbie and Lynette Federer and agent Tony Godsick before the start of Day 2 at the All England Club. However, the seat close to HRH The Princes of Wales Kate Middleton remained empty. There was then a short video of Federer playing, winning, and addressing at Wimbledon, where he won the 1st of his 20 career Grand Slam titles in 2003. That was the beginning of a five-year streak that lasted until 2007, followed by championships in 2009, 2012, and 2017.
Iga Swiatek, Ons Jabeur, Coco Gauff, Jessica Pegula, Taylor Fritz and Alex de Minaur, among others, appeared in the short tribute video.
Watch the video here!
The eight-time champion was then called to the Centre Court and received a thunderous welcome. Federer received a standing ovation from the spectators on Centre Court and every other fan in attendance for a few minutes.