Roger Federer shares hilarious story about being denied entry to Wimbledon

Thursday, 08 December 2022 at 17:34

Updated at Wednesday, 19 February 2025 at 21:49

byErik Virostko

Roger Federer recently shared a hilarious story of how he was denied an entry to Wimbledon.

Tennis players and security guards are also only people and often both of those try to do their job in the best way possible. Federer was doing that throughout his career and that secured him eight Wimbledon titles and a status only a few people have in the All England Club.

On the other hand, a security guard at Wimbledon is also trying to do their job in the best way possible, and sometimes a very funny situation may occur.

That happened when the Swiss Maestro was denied entry during his recent visit to the legendary club in London. Federer was recently a guest on Trevor Noah's The Daily Show, during which he told a funny story.

"The doctor’s appointment was done and I had two hours to kill, so I said let’s go to Wimbledon for tea. I drive up to the gate where usually guests would come in. So I get out, and I tell my coach who was with me, 'I’ll quickly go out and speak to the security lady. I got this.'"

"So then I get out and I’m like, ‘Hello I was wondering how I could get into Wimbledon?’ Where is the door, where is the gate. She asked if I had a membership card."

"When you win Wimbledon, you become a member automatically. And honestly, I don’t know about membership cards, they are probably at home somewhere and I’ve just been traveling so I had no idea."

The security guard apparently didn't recognize the 20-time Grand Slam champion. Their conversation continued, with Federer trying to explain that he was a member, having won the event eight times.

"I told her, ‘No I don’t have my membership card [with me], but I am a member. I’m just wondering where I can get in’. I’m like, ‘No, I am a member and normally when I’m here, I’m playing. There is loads of people and I come in a different way."

"Now it’s the first time the tournament is not on and I’m here. How do I get in? I look at her in a panic one last time, and say: 'I’m so sorry but I have won this tournament eight times, please, believe me, I am a member… where do I get in?'"

Eventually, the Swiss Maestro managed to find the right entrance as he also met a fan who wanted to take a picture with him, which helped him to be recognized, and he eventually managed to get inside.